Is the Rooney rule still necessary?

[Captain Hilts]

It seems that black head coaches in the NFL, while not the percentage they should be, are not unusual any more. Does the NFL still need the Rooney rule? I think 'following' this rule was gamed by the Redskins, who clearly want Shanahan.

I know that when the 'Skins blew that home game in the fourth quarter against the Cowboys I wanted Norv Turner's head and Art Shell in his job.

There aren't as many black head coaches as there should be considering 70% of the players are black or will be, but, like women on the Supreme Court, I think it will happen.

What are the opinions here?

[El Supremo]

1. Yes

[JonLP24]

2. I have no problem with the rule

As I understand Washington interviewed an assistant coach.

They checked with the Goodell and I believe he checked with Rooney and they determined they complied.

Before the rule I believe only a handful of African-American coaches ever was a head coach and since the rule the number obviously spiked which means it was successful in improving diversity.

I really think it should extend to the College game. I know before Kansas hired Turner Gill that there was only 1 African-American coach of a BCS team and that's Randy Shannon of Miami.

[Captain Hilts]

3. College's track record is shocking, actually. But the NFL has obviously turned a corner. nt

[MadBadger]

4. My opinion is that Jerry Gray is a big time Douche Bag

Not just for making a mockery of the Rooney rule, stabbing his current boss in the back, but for also having the audacity to interview for a job when his secondary is atrocious.

[Captain Hilts]

5. I thought that was weird too, but Zorn's such a dead horse Gray doesn't

seem to be getting any criticism here in town.

[MadBadger]

6. I listened to the 106.7 the fan driving back from Arlington yesterday

He was getting a lot of criticism there.

[Captain Hilts]

10. I'm glad to hear that. I haven't listened to that station in years.

[Auggie]

7. Yes, and I want to see it expanded to include the front office

[JonLP24]

8. They did back in July

The NFL has extended its minority interviewing rule to include openings for general manager jobs and equivalent front-office positions, in addition to head coaching vacancies.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/15/AR2009061502806.html

[Auggie]

9. Didn't know... I'm glad to see that.

Thanks

[Captain Hilts]

11. I'm glad to hear that. I think that is more important than for coaches, at this point.