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The NFL Commissioner admitted Wednesday (February 9) that the league has fallen short when it comes to hiring Black head coaches.
Roger Goodell gave a press conference this week after former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores launched a class action lawsuit against the NFL and three teams, accusing them all of racism in hiring practices. Goodell on Wednesday said he has no solutions to fix the league's admitted issues, ESPN reported.
"We believe in diversity," Goodell said outside of SoFi Stadium where the Super Bowl is being played in just a few days. "We believe it has made us stronger. People who have come into the league who are diverse have been very successful and made us better, and we just have to a better job."
"Is there another thing that we can do to make sure that we're attracting the best talent and making our league inclusive? If I had the answer right now, I would give it to you. I would have implemented it," he said.
Goodell says the league needs to "look ... and step back and say, 'We're not doing a good enough job here.' We need to find better solutions and better outcomes. Let's find more effective policies. Let's make sure everyone understands."
Flores' lawsuit mentions a text message conversation he had with New England Patriots owner Bill Bellchick who congratulated the 40-year-old on landing a coaching job with the New York Giants days ahead of the scheduled interview.
The message mix-up, Flores says, proves that the league's Rooney Rule –– which requires teams to interview at least one Black or other person of color for a head coaching job when it becomes available –– is just a way for teams to "check a box."
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