Rooney Rule needs serious tweaking (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

It's already horrible that they are interviewing guys and haven't even fired Cable. No interviews until after your HC is fired, and if you are caught breaking that rule it costs you a draft pick...or instead of a 2nd round pick you get the last pick in the draft, something that will really punish and deter this type of action. They have interviewed Fassel and another person already. Honestly I don't really love the Rooney Rule in the NFL and think it should be implemented in the NCAA, that would have been the right place to put this rule in.

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years? And I am sure there are lots of others.

If this gets moved to the FFA I totally understand. Thanks all.

 

[perry147]

It's already horrible that they are interviewing guys and haven't even fired Cable. No interviews until after your HC is fired, and if you are caught breaking that rule it costs you a draft pick...or instead of a 2nd round pick you get the last pick in the draft, something that will really punish and deter this type of action. They have interviewed Fassel and another person already. Honestly I don't really love the Rooney Rule in the NFL and think it should be implemented in the NCAA, that would have been the right place to put this rule in.

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years? And I am sure there are lots of others.

If this gets moved to the FFA I totally understand. Thanks all.

Suppose you do not know if a suddenly available coach suites your style and you might want to keep your current coach. So you have to fire him first and then hire him back?

 

[Buffaloes]

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years?

Then decline the interview

 

[Chaka]

I am not sure what your post has to do with the Rooney rule, has Frazier even been invited for an interview?

Besides The Raiders are the last team that should have to comply with the Rooney Rule. Al Davis has always been light years ahead of the league on these issues.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years?

Then decline the interview

Buff, let me aks you a question then. How many Caucasian asst coaches get turned down as often or are used as part od a scheme so the owners can hire who they really want. See you can mandate the rules, but you can't erase the racism from people just because you mandate things. And I am not for rules that regulate a lot of things, sure we want to see African American HC in the NFL, many have had great success in the very short time they have been given to work...guys like Tony Dungy, Mike Tomlin, Denny Green, they all have had SB wins or a lot of playoff trips or both in the last 10-20 years, do we really need a Rooney Rule at this point in the NFL?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I am not sure what your post has to do with the Rooney rule, has Frazier even been invited for an interview?Besides The Raiders are the last team that should have to comply with the Rooney Rule. Al Davis has always been light years ahead of the league on these issues.

Maybe your right Chaka, but I think teams need to slow down. Either you are going to go with what you have or you are going in a new direction. If so, clean house and really go through the interview process. Seems to be a rush to get coaches in place. This is not college, it's not about stealing recruits, FA is not going on right now, just allow the process to take place. Wait for some of these good Asst Coaches to finish their playoff runs and then interview them.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years?

Then decline the interview

Buff, let me aks you a question then. How many Caucasian asst coaches get turned down as often or are used as part od a scheme so the owners can hire who they really want. See you can mandate the rules, but you can't erase the racism from people just because you mandate things. And I am not for rules that regulate a lot of things, sure we want to see African American HC in the NFL, many have had great success in the very short time they have been given to work...guys like Tony Dungy, Mike Tomlin, Denny Green, they all have had SB wins or a lot of playoff trips or both in the last 10-20 years, do we really need a Rooney Rule at this point in the NFL?

NO!!!I mean at this day and age with an African American president it seems absurd that this rule still exisits. Hire the best person for the job. I don't think the Rooney Rule ever worked in the first place. If you had someone in mind and were going to hire them what are the chances that this rule was making you select a new guy. I honestly can't believe this is a rule.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Let me ask this question, it might be a little better angle.

If Oakland were to fire Cable and hire Fassel(not a bad idea I might add), then they have to call Leslie Frazier and pretend to want to interview him when they want Fassel the whole time, it's not fair, yes/no?

Oakland has had minority coaches so that's not the issue, it's more the spirit of the rule.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years?

Then decline the interview

Buff, let me aks you a question then. How many Caucasian asst coaches get turned down as often or are used as part od a scheme so the owners can hire who they really want. See you can mandate the rules, but you can't erase the racism from people just because you mandate things. And I am not for rules that regulate a lot of things, sure we want to see African American HC in the NFL, many have had great success in the very short time they have been given to work...guys like Tony Dungy, Mike Tomlin, Denny Green, they all have had SB wins or a lot of playoff trips or both in the last 10-20 years, do we really need a Rooney Rule at this point in the NFL?

NO!!!I mean at this day and age with an African American president it seems absurd that this rule still exisits. Hire the best person for the job. I don't think the Rooney Rule ever worked in the first place. If you had someone in mind and were going to hire them what are the chances that this rule was making you select a new guy. I honestly can't believe this is a rule.

Just to go a little further with this Carter...is this not a classic example of rich white owners that want to prop themselves up and look better than they really are? I don't doubt Rooney's intention but everyone made a big deal about this which in of itself was a sad take on the NFL, but with the Rooney Rule in place, owners could say "We're not racist".

 

[Buffaloes]

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years?

Then decline the interview

Buff, let me aks you a question then. How many Caucasian asst coaches get turned down as often or are used as part od a scheme so the owners can hire who they really want. See you can mandate the rules, but you can't erase the racism from people just because you mandate things. And I am not for rules that regulate a lot of things, sure we want to see African American HC in the NFL, many have had great success in the very short time they have been given to work...guys like Tony Dungy, Mike Tomlin, Denny Green, they all have had SB wins or a lot of playoff trips or both in the last 10-20 years, do we really need a Rooney Rule at this point in the NFL?

I understand what you are saying and I can't answer your question as to how many white ACs are turned down each year. I don't know if there is racism as much as a good ol' boys feel to the coaching game. Some of these guys have been in the coaching game for decades and have build themselves reputations and allegiances with other coaches. I'm not saying it's right at all. But what the Rooney Rule is designed to do (and does) is get a minority candidate the opportunity to interview for a job and if he doesn't get the job, well at least his name was mentioned in the same breath as a HC gig. That's more than what minorities were getting pre Rooney Rule. Absent a Rooney Rule, we would be hearing about how it's the same old white coaches being brought in for interviews. At least Leslie Frazier is getting his opportunity, he's getting his publicity, and he is probably learning a good bit on the way. If he's tired of going through the motions and feels like a token interview, then decline the interview. I don't necessarily see how Frazier going to interview after interview is a point against the Rooney Rule though.He has been interviewed by teams that interviewed multiple minority candidates.

 

[Chaka]

Again I have little idea how the Rooney Rule relates to the Oakland situation.

Jim Fassel denies speaking with the Raiders and there has been only speculation about what will happen with Tom Cable. The Raiders have a history of hiring position coaches and coordinators without the consent or blessing of the HC so what they are doing is not unprecedented. Nor are the Raiders acting hastily (ala Washington), they are taking their time and evaluating the situation. Oakland still might keep Cable.

Has Leslie Frazier even been mentioned for any of the interviews in Oakland?

 

[FF Newbie]

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years?

Then decline the interview

Buff, let me aks you a question then. How many Caucasian asst coaches get turned down as often or are used as part od a scheme so the owners can hire who they really want. See you can mandate the rules, but you can't erase the racism from people just because you mandate things.

So Frazier hasn't receive any head coaching offers because people are racists?

 

[Pickle Rody]

It's already horrible that they are interviewing guys and haven't even fired Cable. No interviews until after your HC is fired, and if you are caught breaking that rule it costs you a draft pick...or instead of a 2nd round pick you get the last pick in the draft, something that will really punish and deter this type of action. They have interviewed Fassel and another person already. Honestly I don't really love the Rooney Rule in the NFL and think it should be implemented in the NCAA, that would have been the right place to put this rule in. Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years? And I am sure there are lots of others. If this gets moved to the FFA I totally understand. Thanks all.

I agree the Rooney Rule might benefit from some tweaking.........but I've got no idea where to begin.NFL teams can inquire of minority coaches availability and pursue interviews with those minority candidates just like they could with any other candidate (and their given ethnicity,) prior to actually removing the current head coach. Why would removing the current head coach, prior to the interview process beginning, benefit minorities? Linking future draft picks to the Rooney Rule just seems totally unfair also.The NCAA obviously gives minorities more opportunities to become a head coach by virtue of the quantity of programs within the NCAA. I'd be interested to know the percentage of minority head coaches in the NCAA currently. I see no reason to implement this rule at this level. That being said, what is the current ratio in the NFL? How many minority HC's are there really? 6? If 6 is right, then that's almost a 19% ratio currently in the NFL. Is there a ratio the NFL would like to get close to if they are not currently near it? Do they want to average a certain percentage over a period of time?Without searching, I believe Frazier has accepted and turned down interview requests as he saw fit, not the other way around.I haven't heard or read anything that would be a good change to the current Rooney Rule yet, so maybe there isn't one. Other than removing it altogether, I can't see revising it.

 

[Chaka]

It's already horrible that they are interviewing guys and haven't even fired Cable. No interviews until after your HC is fired, and if you are caught breaking that rule it costs you a draft pick...or instead of a 2nd round pick you get the last pick in the draft, something that will really punish and deter this type of action. They have interviewed Fassel and another person already. Honestly I don't really love the Rooney Rule in the NFL and think it should be implemented in the NCAA, that would have been the right place to put this rule in. Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years? And I am sure there are lots of others. If this gets moved to the FFA I totally understand. Thanks all.

I agree the Rooney Rule might benefit from some tweaking.........but I've got no idea where to begin.NFL teams can inquire of minority coaches availability and pursue interviews with those minority candidates just like they could with any other candidate (and their given ethnicity,) prior to actually removing the current head coach. Why would removing the current head coach, prior to the interview process beginning, benefit minorities? Linking future draft picks to the Rooney Rule just seems totally unfair also.The NCAA obviously gives minorities more opportunities to become a head coach by virtue of the quantity of programs within the NCAA. I'd be interested to know the percentage of minority head coaches in the NCAA currently. I see no reason to implement this rule at this level. That being said, what is the current ratio in the NFL? How many minority HC's are there really? 6? If 6 is right, then that's almost a 19% ratio currently in the NFL. Is there a ratio the NFL would like to get close to if they are not currently near it? Do they want to average a certain percentage over a period of time?Without searching, I believe Frazier has accepted and turned down interview requests as he saw fit, not the other way around.I haven't heard or read anything that would be a good change to the current Rooney Rule yet, so maybe there isn't one. Other than removing it altogether, I can't see revising it.

I am not sure there are even 10 NCAA division one head coaches who are not white.

 

[SuperJohn96]

If it's serious, you need an overhaul, not a tweaking (aka fine-tuning).

 

[Chaka]

It's already horrible that they are interviewing guys and haven't even fired Cable. No interviews until after your HC is fired, and if you are caught breaking that rule it costs you a draft pick...or instead of a 2nd round pick you get the last pick in the draft, something that will really punish and deter this type of action. They have interviewed Fassel and another person already. Honestly I don't really love the Rooney Rule in the NFL and think it should be implemented in the NCAA, that would have been the right place to put this rule in. Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years? And I am sure there are lots of others. If this gets moved to the FFA I totally understand. Thanks all.

I agree the Rooney Rule might benefit from some tweaking.........but I've got no idea where to begin.NFL teams can inquire of minority coaches availability and pursue interviews with those minority candidates just like they could with any other candidate (and their given ethnicity,) prior to actually removing the current head coach. Why would removing the current head coach, prior to the interview process beginning, benefit minorities? Linking future draft picks to the Rooney Rule just seems totally unfair also.The NCAA obviously gives minorities more opportunities to become a head coach by virtue of the quantity of programs within the NCAA. I'd be interested to know the percentage of minority head coaches in the NCAA currently. I see no reason to implement this rule at this level. That being said, what is the current ratio in the NFL? How many minority HC's are there really? 6? If 6 is right, then that's almost a 19% ratio currently in the NFL. Is there a ratio the NFL would like to get close to if they are not currently near it? Do they want to average a certain percentage over a period of time?Without searching, I believe Frazier has accepted and turned down interview requests as he saw fit, not the other way around.I haven't heard or read anything that would be a good change to the current Rooney Rule yet, so maybe there isn't one. Other than removing it altogether, I can't see revising it.

I am not sure there are even 10 NCAA division one head coaches who are not white.

Apparently there are seven black NCAA Division I head football coaches.The high water mark apparently was eight back in 1997This is from 119 (I think) NCAA Division I football teams.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Let me ask this question, it might be a little better angle.

If Oakland were to fire Cable and hire Fassel(not a bad idea I might add), then they have to call Leslie Frazier and pretend to want to interview him when they want Fassel the whole time, it's not fair, yes/no?

Oakland has had minority coaches so that's not the issue, it's more the spirit of the rule.

I could be wrong but isn't this what happened with Tomlin and the Steelers? They didn't really have any intention of hiring him until he blew them away at the interview.

 

[NoFBinLA]

If anything highlited the issues with the Rooney Rule, it was the half-assed way the Seahawks or Redskins 'fulfilled it'.

At least OAK isn't interviewing weeks ahead of time (well maybe) or after the fact.

 

[Captain Placeholder]

Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years?

Then decline the interview

Buff, let me aks you a question then. How many Caucasian asst coaches get turned down as often or are used as part od a scheme so the owners can hire who they really want. See you can mandate the rules, but you can't erase the racism from people just because you mandate things. And I am not for rules that regulate a lot of things, sure we want to see African American HC in the NFL, many have had great success in the very short time they have been given to work...guys like Tony Dungy, Mike Tomlin, Denny Green, they all have had SB wins or a lot of playoff trips or both in the last 10-20 years, do we really need a Rooney Rule at this point in the NFL?

Al Saunders has interviewed for a number of head coaching jobs. So has Russ Grimm, though likely not as many as Frazier. The irony is that the mandate that minorities be interviewed is probably driving up the number of Frazier's "wasted" interviews. Ain't the Rooney Rule great?

 

[bweiser]

Let me ask this question, it might be a little better angle.

If Oakland were to fire Cable and hire Fassel(not a bad idea I might add), then they have to call Leslie Frazier and pretend to want to interview him when they want Fassel the whole time, it's not fair, yes/no?

Oakland has had minority coaches so that's not the issue, it's more the spirit of the rule.

I could be wrong but isn't this what happened with Tomlin and the Steelers? They didn't really have any intention of hiring him until he blew them away at the interview.

yeah, either leslie frazier never gets a job becuase he's now the official 'token' interview or he is simply the worst interviewee ever.

 

[LawFitz]

I respectfully disagree with both your points.

A. Oakland should be able to interview whomever they want before ultimately deciding Cable's fate. It may not be Al trying to stick it to him as much as it is Al trying to decide whether there is actually someone out there who would be better. In essence, it gives Cable a chance to stay in competition for the job.

B. If the Rooney Rule works even every once in a while (e.g. Tomlin) then it's worth it. Boo hoo for Leslie Frazier. If he's a worthwhile candidate, eventually these interviews will pay off. And ultimately he has the right to decline interview requests.

 

[sho nuff]

I respectfully disagree with both your points.A. Oakland should be able to interview whomever they want before ultimately deciding Cable's fate. It may not be Al trying to stick it to him as much as it is Al trying to decide whether there is actually someone out there who would be better. In essence, it gives Cable a chance to stay in competition for the job.B. If the Rooney Rule works even every once in a while (e.g. Tomlin) then it's worth it. Boo hoo for Leslie Frazier. If he's a worthwhile candidate, eventually these interviews will pay off. And ultimately he has the right to decline interview requests.

Agreed...and several of the coaches have said it is giving them good experience interviewing and knowing what teams are looking for. That they are getting interviews they never would have and it is good for them to get the foot in the door. Even if they are not hired...they have personnel guys knowing what they have who may talk to other people around the league and later want to interview them.

 

[delusional]

here is an idea...ditch the rule

 

[Bankerguy]

I think the Rooney Rule has run it's course.. Message sent and recieved. Lots of African American coaches are getting chances and serious considerations. Stop the quota interviews and wasting time where candidates are obvious choices.

If Dungy said he wanted to coach again and the team that hires him doesn't interview a White coach...nothing would get said.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

It's already horrible that they are interviewing guys and haven't even fired Cable. No interviews until after your HC is fired, and if you are caught breaking that rule it costs you a draft pick...or instead of a 2nd round pick you get the last pick in the draft, something that will really punish and deter this type of action. They have interviewed Fassel and another person already. Honestly I don't really love the Rooney Rule in the NFL and think it should be implemented in the NCAA, that would have been the right place to put this rule in. Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years? And I am sure there are lots of others. If this gets moved to the FFA I totally understand. Thanks all.

I agree the Rooney Rule might benefit from some tweaking.........but I've got no idea where to begin.NFL teams can inquire of minority coaches availability and pursue interviews with those minority candidates just like they could with any other candidate (and their given ethnicity,) prior to actually removing the current head coach. Why would removing the current head coach, prior to the interview process beginning, benefit minorities? Linking future draft picks to the Rooney Rule just seems totally unfair also.The NCAA obviously gives minorities more opportunities to become a head coach by virtue of the quantity of programs within the NCAA. I'd be interested to know the percentage of minority head coaches in the NCAA currently. I see no reason to implement this rule at this level. That being said, what is the current ratio in the NFL? How many minority HC's are there really? 6? If 6 is right, then that's almost a 19% ratio currently in the NFL. Is there a ratio the NFL would like to get close to if they are not currently near it? Do they want to average a certain percentage over a period of time?Without searching, I believe Frazier has accepted and turned down interview requests as he saw fit, not the other way around.I haven't heard or read anything that would be a good change to the current Rooney Rule yet, so maybe there isn't one. Other than removing it altogether, I can't see revising it.

I am not sure there are even 10 NCAA division one head coaches who are not white.

Apparently there are seven black NCAA Division I head football coaches.The high water mark apparently was eight back in 1997This is from 119 (I think) NCAA Division I football teams.

It is worse in BCS conferences.

 

[fatness]

I could be wrong but isn't this what happened with Tomlin and the Steelers? They didn't really have any intention of hiring him until he blew them away at the interview.

The Steelers were interviewing Tomlin and Grimm on the same day and discussing contract with each of them.

 

[fatness]

Again I have little idea how the Rooney Rule relates to the Oakland situation.Jim Fassel denies speaking with the Raiders and there has been only speculation about what will happen with Tom Cable. The Raiders have a history of hiring position coaches and coordinators without the consent or blessing of the HC so what they are doing is not unprecedented. Nor are the Raiders acting hastily (ala Washington), they are taking their time and evaluating the situation. Oakland still might keep Cable.Has Leslie Frazier even been mentioned for any of the interviews in Oakland?

You're right of course. But you don't understand. Every coaching vacancy results in a "this proves the Rooney Rule is useless" thread, and people post in it whether they know who's been interviewed and who hasn't.

 

[fatness]

Hire the best person for the job.

The Rooney Rule doesn't tell anyone who to hire.

 

[HellToupee]

Let me ask this question, it might be a little better angle. If Oakland were to fire Cable and hire Fassel(not a bad idea I might add), then they have to call Leslie Frazier and pretend to want to interview him when they want Fassel the whole time, it's not fair, yes/no?Oakland has had minority coaches so that's not the issue, it's more the spirit of the rule.

maybe Al will interview Art Shell

 

[coolnerd]

It's already horrible that they are interviewing guys and haven't even fired Cable. No interviews until after your HC is fired, and if you are caught breaking that rule it costs you a draft pick...or instead of a 2nd round pick you get the last pick in the draft, something that will really punish and deter this type of action. They have interviewed Fassel and another person already. Honestly I don't really love the Rooney Rule in the NFL and think it should be implemented in the NCAA, that would have been the right place to put this rule in. Leslie Frazier is getting tired of boarding planes for jobs he is never going to get. How many interviews has he gone on and not gotten a job in the last 4-5 years? And I am sure there are lots of others. If this gets moved to the FFA I totally understand. Thanks all.

I agree the Rooney Rule might benefit from some tweaking.........but I've got no idea where to begin.NFL teams can inquire of minority coaches availability and pursue interviews with those minority candidates just like they could with any other candidate (and their given ethnicity,) prior to actually removing the current head coach. Why would removing the current head coach, prior to the interview process beginning, benefit minorities? Linking future draft picks to the Rooney Rule just seems totally unfair also.The NCAA obviously gives minorities more opportunities to become a head coach by virtue of the quantity of programs within the NCAA. I'd be interested to know the percentage of minority head coaches in the NCAA currently. I see no reason to implement this rule at this level. That being said, what is the current ratio in the NFL? How many minority HC's are there really? 6? If 6 is right, then that's almost a 19% ratio currently in the NFL. Is there a ratio the NFL would like to get close to if they are not currently near it? Do they want to average a certain percentage over a period of time?Without searching, I believe Frazier has accepted and turned down interview requests as he saw fit, not the other way around.I haven't heard or read anything that would be a good change to the current Rooney Rule yet, so maybe there isn't one. Other than removing it altogether, I can't see revising it.

I am not sure there are even 10 NCAA division one head coaches who are not white.

Apparently there are seven black NCAA Division I head football coaches.The high water mark apparently was eight back in 1997This is from 119 (I think) NCAA Division I football teams.

It is worse in BCS conferences.

So much of college football is about maintaining relationships with alumni with deep pockets. the coach does not have to just play the living room well with parents, but needs to play well with the financial support base. These guys are not the enlightened University President who came out of some Liberal Arts department, but guys who made lots of money doing things their way and with people they are comfortable. Using an example that is not based in race, everything I understand about John Machovic the Longhorn coach before Mack Brown was that he came off like an outsider to the alumni base versus Mack Brown who in a lot of ways looks, speaks and acts like he is a cousin of George W. In many of these schools the "right" type black guy could be successful, but in college there is more to it than the being a really good coach and recruiter. The guys that run the program wihout running the program have way more say than many of us want to believe.

 

[two_dollars]

I think the Rooney Rule actually promotes racism by declaring a separation between black and white.

 

[daveR]

I think the Rooney Rule actually promotes racism by declaring a separation between black and white.

In what case is "race" of any significance? Why is it recognized at all?

 

[Chaka]

I could be wrong but isn't this what happened with Tomlin and the Steelers? They didn't really have any intention of hiring him until he blew them away at the interview.

The Steelers were interviewing Tomlin and Grimm on the same day and discussing contract with each of them.

I have heard this about Tomlin getting the interview because the league stepped in and how he was hired because the league wanted Rooney to act in the direction of the rule bearing his name.Would someone point point me to the supporting evidence for these beliefs?

 

[fatness]

I have heard this about Tomlin getting the interview because the league stepped in and how he was hired because the league wanted Rooney to act in the direction of the rule bearing his name.

Would someone point point me to the supporting evidence for these beliefs?

There isn't any. The Steelers were talking to both Grimm and Tomlin, including talking contract numbers. A local reporter reported that Grimm had the job. The story's been discredited.Link

After the Arizona Cardinals hired Whisenhunt as their new head coach, on January 14, 2007, the finalists for the Steelers position were reduced to Grimm and Mike Tomlin. On January 22, 2007, Mike Prisuta of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported from an undisclosed source within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that, then-asssistant coach, Grimm would replace Bill Cowher as the team's coach. A day earlier, ESPN and Sports Illustrated stated on their web sites that Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin had been chosen to replace Cowher. However an NFL source confirmed on January 21, 2007 that Tomlin had not heard from the Steelers and no contract negotiations had taken place. Grimm was one of three finalists to replace Cowher, along with Tomlin and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

24 hours later Tomlin was announced as the Steelers new coach. Steelers' President Art Rooney II told CBS Sports on January 23, 2007 that no formal offer was ever made to Grimm, explaining that team reps did talk about an offer and contract numbers with both Grimm and Tomlin on January 20th. Rooney explained, "We did tell Russ nothing would be final until Sunday". I feel bad if he got the wrong impression." As a result Prisuta's story was discredited[3] and he later resigned in 2009 from the Tribune-Review to accept a position with Pittsburgh's WDVE Radio.[4]

and Link (down in the comments is an edit by Bob Smizik)

I'd have to know Laird's source before I could make a judgment on this. But you brought up the Russ Grimm situation. Mike Prisuta, then with the Tribune-Review, broke a story that Russ Grimm would be the next Steelers coach. That turned out to be wrong. But I believe that Prisuta had an excellent source. He had every right to go with the story -- even though it turned out to be wrong. Sometimes that happens. My point is that every case stands separately. -- Bob Smizik)

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Why stop with the Rooney Rule....

How many hispanic head coaches are there being interviewed?

How many female coaches do we have?

How many asian coaches are there?

You know what... the black to white ration of players in the NFL is not good so we need to make a rule that has a better ratio?

I mean this rule is silly..... Tomlin was a coach within the Steelers organization before being hired to be the head coach. I am sure they knew enough about him that he was getting an interview whether it was the Rooney Rule in place or not.

At this day and age you would think owners/GM's are more concerened about winning. They would hire an alien if it was going to help them win.

 

[Buffaloes]

Why stop with the Rooney Rule....



How many hispanic head coaches are there being interviewed?

How many female coaches do we have?

How many asian coaches are there?

You know what... the black to white ration of players in the NFL is not good so we need to make a rule that has a better ratio?

I mean this rule is silly..... Tomlin was a coach within the Steelers organization before being hired to be the head coach. I am sure they knew enough about him that he was getting an interview whether it was the Rooney Rule in place or not.

At this day and age you would think owners/GM's are more concerened about winning. They would hire an alien if it was going to help them win.

The ones in bold are covered by the Rooney Rule.

 

[Chaka]

I have heard this about Tomlin getting the interview because the league stepped in and how he was hired because the league wanted Rooney to act in the direction of the rule bearing his name.

Would someone point point me to the supporting evidence for these beliefs?

There isn't any. The Steelers were talking to both Grimm and Tomlin, including talking contract numbers. A local reporter reported that Grimm had the job. The story's been discredited.Link

After the Arizona Cardinals hired Whisenhunt as their new head coach, on January 14, 2007, the finalists for the Steelers position were reduced to Grimm and Mike Tomlin. On January 22, 2007, Mike Prisuta of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported from an undisclosed source within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that, then-asssistant coach, Grimm would replace Bill Cowher as the team's coach. A day earlier, ESPN and Sports Illustrated stated on their web sites that Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin had been chosen to replace Cowher. However an NFL source confirmed on January 21, 2007 that Tomlin had not heard from the Steelers and no contract negotiations had taken place. Grimm was one of three finalists to replace Cowher, along with Tomlin and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

24 hours later Tomlin was announced as the Steelers new coach. Steelers' President Art Rooney II told CBS Sports on January 23, 2007 that no formal offer was ever made to Grimm, explaining that team reps did talk about an offer and contract numbers with both Grimm and Tomlin on January 20th. Rooney explained, "We did tell Russ nothing would be final until Sunday". I feel bad if he got the wrong impression." As a result Prisuta's story was discredited[3] and he later resigned in 2009 from the Tribune-Review to accept a position with Pittsburgh's WDVE Radio.[4]

and Link (down in the comments is an edit by Bob Smizik)

I'd have to know Laird's source before I could make a judgment on this. But you brought up the Russ Grimm situation. Mike Prisuta, then with the Tribune-Review, broke a story that Russ Grimm would be the next Steelers coach. That turned out to be wrong. But I believe that Prisuta had an excellent source. He had every right to go with the story -- even though it turned out to be wrong. Sometimes that happens. My point is that every case stands separately. -- Bob Smizik)

That's what I thought but people love to state it as if it were fact.

 

[Yenrub]

Why stop with the Rooney Rule....



How many hispanic head coaches are there being interviewed?

How many female coaches do we have?

How many asian coaches are there?

You know what... the black to white ration of players in the NFL is not good so we need to make a rule that has a better ratio?

I mean this rule is silly..... Tomlin was a coach within the Steelers organization before being hired to be the head coach. I am sure they knew enough about him that he was getting an interview whether it was the Rooney Rule in place or not.

At this day and age you would think owners/GM's are more concerened about winning. They would hire an alien if it was going to help them win.

The ones in bold are covered by the Rooney Rule.

Don't stop him he is on a rollWhen was Tomiln with the Steelers prior to becoming the HC? I am aware of his stops in Minnesota and Tampa but not Pittsburgh

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Why stop with the Rooney Rule....



How many hispanic head coaches are there being interviewed?

How many female coaches do we have?

How many asian coaches are there?

You know what... the black to white ration of players in the NFL is not good so we need to make a rule that has a better ratio?

I mean this rule is silly..... Tomlin was a coach within the Steelers organization before being hired to be the head coach. I am sure they knew enough about him that he was getting an interview whether it was the Rooney Rule in place or not.

At this day and age you would think owners/GM's are more concerened about winning. They would hire an alien if it was going to help them win.

The ones in bold are covered by the Rooney Rule.

Don't stop him he is on a rollWhen was Tomiln with the Steelers prior to becoming the HC? I am aware of his stops in Minnesota and Tampa but not Pittsburgh

My bad, Tomlin was never with Pittsburgh. So you are covered under the Rooney rule if you interview one single minority coach?

Still the logic remains the same when was the last hispanic, asian, indian coach interviewed then?

And if it is just interviewing one minority coach who meets the criteria of being a minority then how and where do you drawing the line as to being equally fair to every race? You can't. So get rid of a rule that is not moral to this day and age.

 

[Captain Placeholder]

And once again I ask, did Dan Rooney really need the rule that he authored to be put into place in order to force himself to interview Tomlin.

 

[fatness]

That's what I thought but people love to state it as if it were fact.

Yes, they do. They count on no one knowing the history and challenging them. It's a tactic often seen in politics --- say it often enough and people will believe it.

 

[two_dollars]

I would like to see a rule requiring franchises to try out a white player at every position on the team.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Just read this on RW:

The Titans will interview Ravens OC Jim Caldwell for their head-coaching opening this week.
He's already interviewed with the Redskins and Lions. As an African American, Caldwell will satisfy the Rooney Rule for the Titans. There is no indication as of yet that Caldwell is a serious candidate to be Tennessee's head coach.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/9289/jim-caldwell

Anyone see any issues here?

Either with the subtext of the writer, or with the underlying premise of the Rooney Rule if he really isn't being considered for anything?

 

[Ilov80s]

They should change the name to the Token Rule.

 

[Scoresman]

can't a team just find any black guy off the street and interview him?

 

[coolnerd]

Just read this on RW:

The Titans will interview Ravens OC Jim Caldwell for their head-coaching opening this week.
He's already interviewed with the Redskins and Lions. As an African American, Caldwell will satisfy the Rooney Rule for the Titans. There is no indication as of yet that Caldwell is a serious candidate to be Tennessee's head coach.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/9289/jim-caldwell

Anyone see any issues here?

Either with the subtext of the writer, or with the underlying premise of the Rooney Rule if he really isn't being considered for anything?

Caldwell's resume is good enough where even if he is being "rooney ruled," all someone has to say is OC for the Superbowl winner in 2013 and former NFL head coach with an above .500 record.

 

[Ilov80s]

can't a team just find any black guy off the street and interview him?

If they want to look like the biggest ### clown organization in the NFL, sure. The system works because even if the black men that get interviews in large part to the rule, once your name starts floating around for a HC job, it's likely a matter of time before an actual opportunity comes. Look at the OP, he was complaining about Frazier being the token guy. He ultimately got a HC job.

 

[lod01]

can't a team just find any black guy off the street and interview him?

I suppose they could but they are currently using Caldwell up.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

can't a team just find any black guy off the street and interview him?

If they want to look like the biggest ### clown organization in the NFL, sure. The system works because even if the black men that get interviews in large part to the rule, once your name starts floating around for a HC job, it's likely a matter of time before an actual opportunity comes. Look at the OP, he was complaining about Frazier being the token guy. He ultimately got a HC job.

Wasn't Frazier hired by his own team? Hard to say that was because of the RR.

I think what bothers me is the possibility that perhaps it's the result that these elite professionals get labeled as "tokens" because of all this. Look at the RW description, how it's worded. Caldwell does not deserve that - he took the Colts to a Super Bowl and something like a 12-0 start? Not to mention all his years coordinating one of the best offenses in football? And yet three different teams really have no intention of hiring him?

 

[False Start]

Maybe the NFL should allow teams to hire the best person for the job and allow teams to interview whoever they like or not interview anyone they don't want. Are teams forced to interview any Hispanic or Oriental people? No you say? Man the NFL is racist.