NFL: No Extra Restrictions on Tom Brady for Commanders-Lions amid Raiders HC Search

Even though two of the top candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders head-coaching vacancy will be in the same building as Fox Sports' color commentator Tom Brady on Saturday, the NFL isn't adjusting any rules for a potential conflict of interest.

In an email to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said no new restrictions have been put on Brady.

"There have been no further restrictions this week," McCarthy wrote. "Tom will continue to adhere to the broadcast guidelines and also the anti-tampering and Rooney Rule policies."

Brady, who has a minority stake in the Raiders and will reportedly have a lot of influence on their coaching search, is on the call for Saturday's NFC Divisional Round playoff game between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have had virtual interviews with the Raiders, per The Athletic's Tashan Reed. Candidates who are currently employed by other teams will be allowed to start having in-person interviews on Jan. 20.

Johnson, in particular, seems to be very high on the Raiders' list. Florio reported on Wednesday that Johnson came away from his virtual interview with "positive feelings" about the Raiders and Brady.

Since Brady is part of the ownership group of an NFL team while he is working as a broadcaster, league rules state that he's not allowed to attend in-person or online production meetings, and isn't allowed access to team facilities, players or coaches.

Florio noted Brady is permitted to speak to coaches and/or players on the field before the game.

Despite some questions about a potential conflict of interest for Brady, Fox Sports president of programming and production Brad Zager told The Athletic's Andrew Marchand it's "ridiculous" to worry about it.

"To me, the questioning of someone's integrity to say there is a conflict of interest is ridiculous and that's a shame," Zager said.

While it can certainly be debated if that's the case, Brady is going to be in the booth for kickoff of the Commanders-Lions game on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.