CHARLOTTE, N.C. – One of the standards Charlotte 49ers football coach Will Healy put in place was for his players and staff to greet people (media, fans, boosters) with a handshake.

However, the coronavius pandemic has caused Healy to re-think that protocol.

"We may never go back to what we used to call normal again," Healy said this week. "That's not being pessimistic. I mean you're going to think about things like shaking hands. I mean I washed my hands more in the last three weeks than I have my entire life."

Healy admitted he was very naive when it came to the initial threat of the coronavirus, but he quickly understood the severity. He encourages his team and staff to listen to health care professionals. In fact, he doesn't talk much football X's and O's during the twice-a-week team conference calls. Instead he's emphasizing the importance of staying at home and practicing social distancing to his players.

Healy is disappointed the pandemic meant he couldn't attend The Masters golf tournament, and while he can't go visit his parents or his siblings, he calls his time at home with his wife and two young children a "gift." Especially at bed time.

"The grind of the (football) season there's going to be two to three nights where you'll miss putting your kids to bed," Healy said. "I've got a 5 year old and 1 year old and the 5 year old is the Energizer bunny and the 1 year old is not far behind. That's (bedtime) when they're the sweetest and want to spend time with you."

At this point, none of us are sure when sports will return, and that includes college football. Charlotte enjoyed its best season as Healy led the 49ers to their first winning season and first bowl game.

He said it's important for his players to keep that hunger and thinks they will.

Until then, Healy will do his part to flatten the COVID-19 curve.