Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has formally challenged the NFL's Rooney Rule, labeling it 'illegal' and 'blatant race and sex discrimination.' In a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell, Uthmeier asserted the policy violates the Florida Civil Rights Act.
The Rooney Rule mandates teams interview at least two minority candidates for top coaching and executive roles. Uthmeier argued it forces employers to classify applicants by race and sex-actions explicitly prohibited under state law.
He demanded the NFL confirm by May 1, 2026, that it will stop enforcing the rule in Florida, warning of potential civil rights enforcement. The NFL has not responded.
The rule, enacted in 2003, remains contentious. As of now, three NFL head coaches are Black, though none were hired this offseason. A separate discrimination lawsuit by Brian Flores, Steve Wilks, and Ray Horton is moving forward.