Minority Jobs

NFL Expands Race-Based Interview Policy to Assistant Coaching Ranks

In 2003, under Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, the NFL embarked on a policy designed to produce more minority hires in both the head coaching ranks and front office. The Rooney Rule, named after Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney who headed up the NFL’s Diversity Committee, required that each team interview at least one minority candidate prior to making any head coach or senior front office hire.

Cincinnati Bengals sign extension with coach Marvin Lewis