There is more than what meets the eye when it comes to hiring an NFL coach.  A rule that every team must follow during the hiring process is known as the Rooney Rule.  This rule, originally introduced into the NFL in 2003, has evolved into a much-needed way to promote diversity in NFL staff positions, as there are only two black head coaches out of 32 head coaching positions.  It states that every NFL team must interview two external minority candidates for open head coach positions and at least one external minority candidate for a coordinator job.  Additionally, at least one minority and/or female candidate must be interviewed for senior-level positions.  Though the rule has been controversial in the past, Brian Flores has taken the controversy to a new heights by suing the NFL.  

Flores, an African American coach, started his NFL coaching career as a scout for the New England Patriots in 2004 under head coach Bill Belichick.  He was promoted five times in nine years, starting as a Special Teams Assistant in 2008, before eventually becoming a Linebackers Coach in 2016.  

“Flores was a phenomenal coach in New England before his career kick started.  He is truly an underdog story,” said junior Cal Gober.  

All his hard work paid off, as he won four super bowls during  the New England dynasty.  In 2019, he was hired by the Miami Dolphins to be their head coach.  In his first season, he coached a rebuilding Miami team with minimal bright spots to a 5-11 record.  In 2020, the Dolphins used the previous season to their advantage, drafting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, fifth overall.  The team improved to 10-6, barely missing the playoffs in Tagovailoa’s first season.  This year, the Dolphins fell down to 9-8, an impressive record despite the many injuries the team struggled with.  However, the Dolphins winning record was not enough, and Flores was fired in Jan. 2022.  

Flores immediately became a popular candidate for the head coach position of many other NFL teams after his firing.  One of these teams was the New York Giants, who finished 2021 with their sixth consecutive losing season.  Some of their candidates included Bills’ Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll, Bills’ Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Leslie Frazier, Giants’ Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, and Flores.  

“I thought that Flores was the most fit for the job as he has past head coaching experience and coached under the famous Bill Belichick,” said freshman Riley Funk.  

There were two black candidates interviewed for the job, Flores and Frazier, satisfying the Rooney Rule.  However, on Feb. 2, Flores leaked his texts with his former boss Belichick, and they were not pleasant.
The texts revealed what is currently believed to be a dark truth behind the job.  Three days before Flores even interviewed, Belichick texted Flores, congratulating him on the new head coaching job, citing inside information from the Giants and Buffalo Bills.  Flores responded in confusion, telling Belichick that he hoped this information was correct, but asked if this text was meant for him or Brian Daboll.  Belichick realized he texted the wrong person, and Flores realized that the Giants already made up their mind before even interviewing him.  

Flores was prepared to give his best in the interview, but that effort would be mute if the Giants organization already made up their mind on their head coaching hire.  The former Dolphins coach also realized that the only reason they wanted to interview him was to fit the requirements of Rooney Rule.  After he realized he was just a piece in the Giant’s big chess game, he decided to sue the NFL for racial discrimination hiring practices.  

“This isn’t about me.  My story is just an example — you know, one of probably many examples of situations where Black and minority coaches aren’t getting the equal opportunity to interview, showcase their ability, showcase their acumen, and showcase their leadership in front of these owners.  I’m not sure Daboll had even gotten in front of them.  But Blacks and minorities aren’t given that opportunity, and it was confirmed to me that day,” Flores answered during an interview on “CBS Mornings” when asked why he decided to sue.

Minorities should be looked at as legitimate coaching candidates, not a checkmark in a box.  In order for minorities to earn NFL coaching or staff positions something needs to change.  Whether it is the Rooney Rule, the NFL, or football teams themselves, everyone should have equal chances, regardless of their skin or gender.