Florida AG challenges NFL’s Rooney Rule

Over the last several months, we’ve witnessed increased attacks by the federal and state governments over employers’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. It seems that the National Football League (NFL) is the most recent organization to find itself in those crosshairs.

The Rooney Rule

In 2003, the NFL adopted the Rooney Rule at the recommendation of its Workplace Diversity Committee. The rule, which was named after committee chair and Pittsburg Steelers owner Dan Rooney, was intended to increase the number of minority head coaches of professional football teams. Over time, the original rule was expanded to include female candidates and to cover a greater number of positions with NFL clubs.

Currently, the Rooney Rule requires NFL teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coach, general manager, and coordinator vacancies. For quarterback coach positions, teams must interview at least one minority candidate. If a team develops a minority coach or executive who is later hired by another organization as its head coach or general manager, the team that developed the minority candidate receives two third-round “compensatory” draft picks.

Florida blitzes the NFL

Florida’s attorney general (AG) has previously made known his opposition to DEI practices. In a January 19, 2026, General Opinion, AG James Uthmeier found that state agencies’ affirmative action hiring programs were illegal. Two months later, he turned his attention to the NFL.