The NFL will require every team to hire a minority or female offensive assistant coach for the 2022 season in an effort to ensure more opportunities for diverse candidates.
It is unclear exactly when the policy goes into effect.
According to the NFL, the individual hired will “receive a one-year contract and work closely with the head coach and offensive staff to gain experience.”
Teams will receive funding toward the coach’s salary for up to two years from a league-wide fund.
“In recent years, head coaches have predominantly had offensive backgrounds. We believe this resolution will assist greatly in continuing to source and identify diverse candidates earlier in their career, providing pipeline depth and furthering developing the diverse offensive pipeline,” the updated NFL policy reads.
That rule was adopted based on recommendations by the league’s Workplace Diversity Committee in an attempt to “develop a deep, sustainable talent pool at all levels of the organization” and “increase the number of minorities hired in head coach, general manager, and executive positions,” according to the NFL.
The Rooney Rule has regularly been updated and expanded since it went into effect.
In February, former Dolphins coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit in federal court against the NFL and three football teams accusing them of discrimination after he was fired as head coach at the end of the season.
“However, well-intentioned or not, what is clear is that the Rooney Rule is not working,” Flores said in a legal complaint.
Elsewhere on Monday, the NFL announced a number of other policy changes, which included ownership diversity, to encourage and attract a diverse range of prospective ownership groups.
“Accordingly, when evaluating a prospective ownership group of a member club pursuant to League policies, the membership will regard it as a positive and meaningful factor if the group includes diverse individuals who would have a significant equity stake in and involvement with the club, including serving as the controlling owner of the club,” the policy reads.
Officials also announced a Diversity Advisory Committee which is being set up to examine how diverse hiring practices are among the league and its teams.