The Rooney Rule establishes best practices designed to expand opportunity and strengthen the NFL’s talent pipeline across leadership roles. It is part of a broader effort to develop a deep and sustainable talent pipeline across all levels of the NFL. The policy is intended to ensure that qualified candidates from a wide range of backgrounds are identified and considered for leadership roles.
Through these best practices, the Rooney Rule expands the pool of candidates considered for head coach, general manager, and executive positions. Broadening the talent pool strengthens organizations and supports long-term success across the league. Final hiring decisions remain with each club.
EVOLUTION OF THE ROONEY RULE
Chicago Bears running backs coach Jennifer King. (AP/Todd Rosenberg)
The NFL adopted the Rooney Rule in 2003 based on recommendations made by the league’s Workplace Diversity Committee, now known as the Diversity Committee. It was named after then-chairman of the committee, Dan Rooney, the late owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The committee’s initial focus was on the historically low number of minorities in head coaching positions. The policy originally required every team with a head coaching vacancy to interview at least one or more minority candidates before making a new hire.
Over the years, the Rooney Rule has expanded to include a greater number of positions across NFL clubs. NFL teams are now required to interview at least two external candidates who are persons of color and/or women for vacant head coach, GM and coordinator positions. And for vacant quarterback coach and senior level executive positions, the Rule ensures that clubs interview at least one candidate who is a person of color and/or a woman. Clubs are free to interview as many candidates as they choose, and the Rule places no limit on the number of candidates a club can consider.
Additionally, teams who have a person of color or woman executive or coach hired by another team as a head coach or primary football executive are awarded a compensatory draft pick.
NFL Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
Baltimore Ravens Assistant to the Head Coach Megan Rosburg was a speaker at the 2024 NFL Women's Forum. (AP/Steve Luciano)
The Rooney Rule is one of several leaguewide efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on and off the field:
- Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowship
- Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship
- The NFL and HBCUs
- Coaching and Playing Opportunities
- NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy
- NFL Career Development Symposium
- NFL Women’s Forum
- The Coach and Front Office Accelerator Program
NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.
© 2026 National Football League. All rights reserved.