NFL Receives 'A' Grade for Racial Hiring; Still Behind on Gender Diversity

Filed under: NFL CoachingThe NFL received its highest grade ever for racial diversity hiring practices by the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida. While the league continues to make strides in racial diversity hiring practices, they are still behind on hiring women, according to the report issued Wednesday.

The NFL received its first 'A' on racial hiring practices in 18 years, but received a 'C' for gender hiring -- equaling an overall grade of 'B.' The NFL also received an overall grade of a 'B' last year.

The 'A' grade for racial diversity hiring practices can certainly be attributed to the "Rooney Rule," which forces teams to interview at least one minority candidate for open head coaching vacancies and select front office positions.

The rule was approved in 2002, championed by then-Steelers' owner Dan Rooney, the son of team founder Art Rooney. Although Dan Rooney -- who now serves as ambassador to Ireland for the United States -- has removed himself from all NFL committees he used to chair or be a part of, commissioner Roger Goodell continues to expand the rule. In recent years he has applied it to certain team managerial positions.

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