Coaching change: Because Jeff Brohm tested positive for COVID-19, Purdue will be under new leader for Week 1 vs. Iowa
Jeff Brohm won’t be leading Purdue onto the field on Saturday for the Week 1 showdown against Iowa.
Sunday, the fourth-year head coach of the Boilermakers tested positive for COVID-19, and Brohm confirmed his positive result while speaking with reporters on Monday morning. Because of the B1G’s protocols, Brohm must isolate for the next 10 days and will not be able to coach in Saturday’s game.
That means co-offensive coordinator Brian Brohm will be the head coach for Saturday’s game. Jeff Brohm confirmed that will be the plan on Monday. He said he’s “not optimistic” about coaching in the game.
Brohm is the first B1G head coach to test positive.
“During Purdue’s daily COVID-19 testing on Sunday, Oct. 18, head football coach Jeff Brohm returned a presumed positive result via an antigen test, we are awaiting confirmation via a PCR test,” the statement said. “He informed his staff and the team this afternoon and is currently at home in isolation. Coach Brohm will address the media via a Zoom call Monday during his scheduled weekly press conference at 11 a.m. ET.”
Purdue finished the 2019 season with a 4-8 record and opens the season at home against Iowa at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Boilers are 2-1 against the Hawkeyes under Brohm.