Overview
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who sent a letter Wednesday, ordered the NFL to stop enforcing the Rooney Rule for the Dolphins, Jaguars, and Buccaneers by May 1 or face state enforcement.
- The NFL responded Friday that it is reviewing the letter, with executive Jeff Miller saying league policies are lawful and focused on fairness and opportunity.
- The Rooney Rule, created in 2003, requires teams to interview minority candidates for top jobs and since 2022 has included women and the quarterback coach role, with draft-pick rewards for developing diverse talent.
- This hiring cycle saw 10 head-coach openings but only one went to a minority candidate, leaving just three Black head coaches in 2026, while the Fritz Pollard Alliance argued the rule widens access without dictating hires.
- Owners meet in Phoenix from March 29 to April 1, where the dispute could surface, and a court fight is possible if the league rejects Florida’s demand.