Report: NFL To Require All 32 Teams To Hire Minority Offensive Assistant Coach For 2022 Season

In February, former Miami Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores sued the National Football League and several teams, naming the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants, and the Dolphins, for racial discrimination in the NFL’s hiring process. 

“Because we need change,” Flores said when asked why he filed the lawsuit. “That was the number one reason. And I know there is a sacrifice, there’s risk to that. But, at the end of the day, we need change. I know many very capable black coaches, some on my staff, who if given an opportunity, are going to go and do a great job on their interview.” 

“We need to change the hearts and minds of the people making those decisions,” Flores continued. “That’s why we filed the lawsuit.”

Following news of the suit, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell vowed to evaluate the league’s hiring process. 

“We’re not having the success we want with head coaches,” Goodell said. “How do we evolve that rule, or do we have to have a new rule? Do we need to find some other way of being able to achieve that outcome? I think we’re not going to rest until we find that, until we get those outcomes that are mandatory for us to move forward and have an inclusive league.”

On Monday, the NFL announced that every team will be required to hire a minority assistant coach on the offensive staff, according to NFL.com. The individual can be a minority or a female, and will be signed to a one-year deal, partially paid from a league-wide fund.

“It’s a recognition that at the moment, when you look at stepping stones for a head coach, they are the coordinator positions,” said Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II, chairman of the NFL Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. “We clearly have a trend where coaches are coming from the offensive side of the ball in recent years, and we clearly do not have as many minorities in the offensive coordinator [job].”

Earlier in the day, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin — who hired Flores to his staff during the offseason — expressed doubt that the new measures would have an impact on increasing the number of diversity hires in the NFL coaching ranks. 

“I haven’t been in any discussions, and, no, I don’t have a level of confidence that would lead me to believe that things are going to be better,” Tomlin said. “I’m more of a show-me guy as opposed to a guy that sits around and talks about things.”

Also on Monday, the league announced the creation of the NFL Diversity Advisory Committee. 

“Today, the National Football League (NFL) announced the creation of the NFL Diversity Advisory Committee, following its pledge last month to retain outside experts to review the league’s diversity policies and practices,” the NFL said in a press release. “The six-member committee will lend its expert, external perspective on industry best practices and will evaluate league and club diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies and initiatives, including all hiring processes, policies and procedures, with a primary focus on senior-level coach and front office personnel positions.”

Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers, and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to [email protected].

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