NFL Coaching Drama: Is the Rooney Rule Being Ignored?

Bryan Harlan, John Harbaugh's agent, dropped a bombshell. He received calls from seven NFL teams. But here's the twist: only six teams have open head coaching spots. This means at least one team with a current coach reached out.

Why? To gauge if Harbaugh would take the job if they fired their current coach.

Raising Eyebrows

The NFL has the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coaching jobs. However, if a team fires their coach just to hire Harbaugh, those interviews might be nothing more than a formality. This raises concerns about fairness for minority candidates who deserve real opportunities.

A Broader Issue

If another team follows suit, people will question whether the coaching search is genuine or if the next coach is already decided. The NFL must ensure the Rooney Rule provides real opportunities, not just empty gestures.

A Reminder of Work to Be Done

Harbaugh's situation highlights how messy coaching hires can be. Teams may prioritize big names over giving everyone a fair shot. It's a reminder that the NFL still has work to do to ensure fairness for all coaches.