Lions' Bevell won't coach vs. Bucs due to virus protocol

Detroit Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell won't coach Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being deemed a high-risk close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced Thursday.

Wide receivers coach Robert Prince will act as the head coach on game day, quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan will call offensive plays, and head coach assistant Evan Rothstein will handle defensive play calls.

Along with Bevell, defensive coordinator Cory Undlin, defensive line coach Bo Davis, defensive backs coach Steve Gregory, and linebackers coach Ty McKenzie will miss the Week 16 game.

"I know that if the game was on Sunday, I would be there because the time frame would be up and all these coaches would be able to be there," Bevell said in a press conference.

Bevell will be the first head coach to miss a game because of COVID-19 protocol. The 50-year-old is 1-2 since taking over for Matt Patricia. He began the season as the Lions' offensive coordinator.

The Lions recorded multiple positive tests after returning home from Tennessee, where they faced the Titans in Week 15. They placed linebacker Anthony Pittman on COVID-19 reserve.

Detroit has already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The team will close out the season against the Minnesota Vikings after battling the Buccaneers.