Overview

• The NFL's Rooney Rule, established in 2003, mandates that teams interview at least one minority candidate before hiring a head coach, aiming to increase diversity in leadership positions.
• Recent criticism of the rule has arisen after the Los Angeles Chargers interviewed David Shaw, a black candidate, with some arguing that the rule can reduce minority candidates to mere 'check boxes' in the hiring process.
• Despite the controversy, the Chargers' interview with Shaw made them 'Rooney Rule compliant,' allowing them to proceed with their reported intention to hire Jim Harbaugh as head coach.
• The rule has evolved over time, with current stipulations requiring teams to consider at least two minority candidates for coaching positions and one for coordinator roles.
• Additional amendments to the rule provide incentives for teams that develop minority talent that goes on to become general managers or head coaches in the form of compensatory draft picks.