• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

​​NFLPA Begins New Era With Old Rooney Rule Problem

  • The NFLPA’s new executive director will inherit the league’s diversity issues.
  • DeMaurice Smith is calling for big changes as he exits after 14 years in charge.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bringing impactful change to the NFL’s diversity efforts will be one of the biggest challenges for new NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell when he officially takes over for DeMaurice Smith.

After 14 years at the helm, Smith isn’t being shy about his feelings toward the league’s powerbrokers on his way out. 

Smith co-authored an article for a future issue of the Yale Law and Policy Review titled, “The Rooney Suggestion: How the ‘Rule’ Has Failed to Defeat Systemic and Institutional Barriers to Fair and Equitable Hiring Practices in the NFL and Recommendations for Meaningful Reform.”

In his article, Smith suggests scrapping the Rooney Rule entirely and stopping requiring coaches to seek permission from team owners to apply for positions with other teams. Currently, teams are rewarded when a minority coach or executive is hired by another team in the form of two third-round compensatory picks. 

He also calls for more extensive reviews of hiring practices and stronger punishments for teams not following hiring guidelines.

There are currently only six minority head coaches and nine minority general managers in the NFL, and a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is ongoing. Flores, who is Black, sued the NFL and three teams. He is currently the defensive coordinator for the MInnesota Vikings.

“It’s not like the league hasn’t known the Rooney Rule hasn’t done everything they initially wanted it to do,” SportsCorp’s Marc Ganis, a longtime consultant to the league, told Front Office Sports. “This is why they’ve continued to put the resources they have into the diversity issue. The Rooney Rule is really just the beginning on this issue, and not an end point.”

Howell’s official start date hasn’t been announced, but he’ll likely be in charge by early 2024.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Draws Highest ‘MNF’ Doubleheader Audience Since 2015

Buccaneers–Texans and Chargers–Raiders averaged 13.5 million viewers.
Brian Flores

Brian Flores Says NFL Arbitrator Is Stalling in Discrimination Case

A new filing says the arbitrator has done nothing for a year.
Tush Push

Why Fox’s Dean Blandino Is ‘Done’ With the Tush Push

The NFL rules analyst outlines why the play should be banned.

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Ryder Cup: Secret Service Key to Smooth Trump Attendance

Trump’s attendance at the US Open delayed the men’s final.
September 16, 2025

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Marina Mabrey
September 17, 2025

Adam Silver Defends WNBA Involvement in Sun Sale

Silver discussed the deal at Tuned In.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.