In 2003, the NFL implemented a new policy dubbed the “Rooney Rule” as a form of affirmative action to help facilitate more minority coaching hires in the league. It earned its name from former Pittsburgh Steelers president Dan Rooney, who spearheaded the policy as chairman of the league’s diversity committee.
Every season when coaches start changing jobs and the Rooney Rule comes under heavy scrutiny. This season has been no different. Current Steelers owner and son of Dan, Art Rooney II talked about the concerns with the rule as it exists now and what might need to happen going forward.
“I think where we are right now is not where we want to be, not where we need to be,” Rooney said. “We need to take a step back and look at what’s happening with our hiring processes.”
“The first thing we’ll do as part of our diversity committee is really review this past season’s hiring cycle and make sure we understand what went on and talk to the people involved, both on the owner’s side, management side, as well as the people who were interviewed.”
Here is @wyche89's interview w/ Steelers President Art Rooney II from tonight's @NFLTotalAccess on @nflnetwork https://t.co/s9FEPQzo8j
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) January 15, 2020
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