NFL tables move to incentivize hiring minority coaches, execs

Chargers coach Anthony Lynn was critical of new proposals for the Rooney Rule. "I think sometimes you can do the wrong thing while trying to do the right thing," Lynn said. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NFL tables move to incentivize hiring of minority coaches, executives

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/19/20

On Monday, the NFL expanded its "Rooney Rule" to require clubs interview at least a pair of external minority candidates for head coaching positions and one minority candidate for a coordinator job.

But a controversial aspect of a proposed change seems to have been returned for future consideration.

Tuesday afternoon, NFL insider Jim Trotter reported plans to reward organizations that hire and maintain minority head coaches won't immediately be adopted by the league:

BREAKING: NFL owners have tabled the resolution to incentivize the hiring of minority coaches and general managers, per source.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) May 19, 2020

The meeting is ongoing. The resolution has been tabled.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) May 19, 2020

As Judy Battista of NFL.com explained, the motion could pass down the road:

This is generally what they do if they don’t think there is enough support for a proposal — go back to the drawing board to improve it rather than let it fail. https://t.co/J8Y5L7Bq3O
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) May 19, 2020

Last Friday, Trotter reported for NFL.com that the league was contemplating bolstering third-round draft positions for teams that hire diverse candidates for coaching and executive positions.

An organization that filled multiple positions with such candidates could potentially move up as many as 16 slots in future drafts.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn criticized the idea last week while speaking with Zach Gelb of CBS Sports Radio.

"I think sometimes you can do the wrong thing while trying to do the right thing," Lynn said.

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