Saturday, October 17, 2026
Law

NFL: Black Coaches’ Lawsuit Should Be Tossed or Settled Privately

  • The NFL is requesting the Brian Flores lawsuit be settled in private arbitration rather than in court — in a potential trial.
  • The league is also asking that the suit be dismissed “for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.”
BILL INGRAM-USA TODAY NETWORK

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

In its latest filing in the Brian Flores lawsuit, the NFL is not only pushing back against allegations that the league and teams used racially discriminatory hiring practices, but also arguing there should be no public case at all.

The league is requesting the dispute be settled in private arbitration rather than in court — in a potential trial — according to a letter submitted on Thursday that Front Office Sports reviewed. 

The league is also asking that the suit be dismissed “for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.”

  • The league detailed its intention to file the arbitration request, and in doing so also requested that any discovery period be delayed.
  • During the discovery process, previously private details could be revealed in public documents — something the NFL seems intent on avoiding.

Under Flores, who is Black, the Dolphins went 24-25 in three seasons, winning eight of their final nine games in 2021. Miami fired Flores a day after the season ended. He’s since been hired as the Steelers’ senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach.

Flores first filed a lawsuit alleging discriminatory hiring practices in February. Since then, former Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks and assistant Ray Horton have joined as well.

More Coaching Controversies

As the lawsuit continues, the NFL is in the midst of yet another investigation: It has been looking into claims made by former Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson that the team paid him to tank — intentionally lose games in order to improve the Browns’ draft position.

Earlier this week, the league confirmed that it’s close to wrapping up the Browns investigation.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Reinstates Josh Jacobs, Jonathon Cooper From Paid Leave

Each player missed six games while on the commissioner-exempt list.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.

Jags Eye First London Sweep As U.K. Future Remains Uncertain

The Jaguars host the Texans after beating the Eagles.
Oct 9, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks off the field after a win over the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

BYU Outperforming Its Budget As Notre Dame Showdown Arrives

Cougars coach Kalani Sitake has openly pushed for more resources.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delivers a statement condemning the death penalty during a news conference at his office in Columbus on June 16, 2026.

NCAA Sues Ohio Governor Over Fifth-Year Eligibility Order

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the executive order Tuesday.
First at FOS
October 13, 2026

Controversial Search Firm Memo on Brian Flores Unsealed by Court

The memo is evidence for several of Flores’s claims, his lawyers say.
October 13, 2026

PTPA Boss Accused of Harassment, Sexist Conduct in New Suit

The PTPA is listed as both a plaintiff and a defendant.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
October 5, 2026

WPBL Records Case Alive Despite Board Member’s Firing

The league’s CEO tried to end the board member’s case by firing her.
Mar 16, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reacts against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
October 2, 2026

Ballmer Drops Lawyer Who Called NBA Probe a ‘Witch Hunt’

O’Melveny & Myers had been representing Ballmer in multiple matters.
Polymarket logo appears in this illustration taken April 22, 2026.
September 24, 2026

New York Takes Aim at Polymarket With $4.6B Suit

“Our gambling laws exist to protect New Yorkers.”
September 17, 2026

Mark Walter and His Insurance Empire Face New Class Action Suit

An annuity holder sued the owner of the Dodgers and his companies.