Highlights/Advances We’ve Made

Since 2003, the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA) has steadfastly championed diversity and equal access in the National Football League. Named after trailblazer Fritz Pollard, the NFL’s first African-American head coach, the FPA carries on his mission of breaking barriers and opening doors. Our mission extends beyond mere advocacy; it is a commitment to cultivating an environment where talent from all backgrounds is recognized and nurtured. The strides we have made in advancing diversity are not just statistics, they represent a significant cultural shift within the NFL.

Establishment and Influence of the Rooney Rule

The establishment of the Rooney Rule marks a significant milestone in the history of the NFL, reflecting the league’s commitment to increasing diversity and inclusivity within its coaching ranks and senior football operations. The Fritz Pollard Alliance has been instrumental in this progress, playing a pivotal role in both the establishment and ongoing advocacy of the Rooney Rule.

Named after Dan Rooney, former owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Rooney Rule mandated that NFL teams interview minority candidates for head coaching vacancies and other senior leadership roles. The FPA recognized this as an essential step toward expanding opportunities for minority coaches and executives.

With determined advocacy from FPA co-founder John Wooten and others, the NFL adopted the Rooney Rule in December 2002. It was a watershed moment in promoting diversity across the league.

Over the years, the impact of the Rooney Rule has been undeniable. In the nine years prior to its implementation, the NFL had just 7 minority head coaches. But in the first 9 years after adoption, 15 black coaches were hired.

Calls for Change and Expansion of the Rule

The Fritz Pollard Alliance understands that advocacy requires speaking uncomfortable truths. Throughout its history, the FPA has actively called on the NFL to address ongoing diversity issues and take concrete steps for change.

When the league backslides, the FPA boldly calls it out. The FPA issues public statements, conducts studies, and directly petitions NFL leadership to tackle deficiencies in minority hiring and retention.

A crucial part of spurring change is expanding the Rooney Rule’s scope to encompass positions beyond just head coach. The FPA successfully lobbied for the Rule to include general manager and equivalent front office roles in 2009. This opened up new pathways for access.

More recently, the FPA has urged further extending Rooney Rule requirements to coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and other roles that act as conduits to the top.

The FPA also keeps pressure on the NFL to strengthen enforcement and accountability mechanisms around the Rooney Rule. Progress depends on consistent oversight.

Continuous Advocacy for Diversity

The Fritz Pollard Alliance recognizes that progress happens through diligence and commitment. That’s why the FPA continually partners with the NFL and specific teams to cultivate diversity and inclusion across all levels of leadership.

The FPA also issues annual report cards grading NFL teams on hiring and diversity. While acknowledging accomplishments, the letter grades maintain accountability to keep moving forward.

Whether through partnerships, pipeline programs, media campaigns, or tireless advocacy, the FPA doesn’t rest on its laurels. It continually renews its commitment to expanding access and opportunity.

Diversity Around the NFL

Several NFL teams have set a benchmark in diversity hiring practices, serving as exemplary models that deserve recognition. These teams have not only acknowledged the importance of diversity but have actively incorporated it into their hiring strategies and organizational culture:

• Pittsburgh Steelers: The Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as a leader in this area. In 2023, they boasted the most diverse coaching staff in the NFL, with 68.4% of their staff comprising people of color. This was a significant increase from 63.2% in 2022, demonstrating a consistent commitment to diversity.
• Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks have demonstrated a commendable commitment to diversity as well, ranking second in 2023 with 58.3% of their coaching staff comprised of people of color. This achievement reflects a significant and ongoing dedication to inclusivity within their organization.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown remarkable progress in recent years, with their coaching staff diversity increasing from 45.8% in 2022 to 56.5% in 2023. This leap highlights the team’s dedicated efforts to bring diverse perspectives into their coaching ranks.
• San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have been recognized for their extraordinary steps to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, receiving the John B. Wooten Award in 2023. Their senior administration’s commitment to diversity is evident in their hiring practices and organizational policies.

The 2023 NFL Racial and Gender Report Card Analysis

The 2023 NFL Racial and Gender Report Card provides a critical evaluation of the league’s progress and areas needing improvement in terms of diversity hiring practices. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into how the NFL is faring in creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Key Findings from the Report

• Overall Grades: The NFL received a B+ for racial hiring practices and a B for gender hiring practices in 2023. While these grades indicate a level of progress, they also highlight the need for continued improvement, especially in gender diversity.
• Representation in Coaching: At the start of the 2022 season, 18.8% of NFL head coaches were people of color, which increased to 21.9% by mid-season. This growth, though modest, signifies a positive movement in coaching diversity.
• Assistant Coaches: The league saw a record high in diversity among assistant coaches, with 43.6% being people of color. This is a crucial development as assistant coaches often serve as the pipeline for future head coaching candidates.
• League Office Diversity: In the NFL league office, 42.5% of management positions were held by people of color, reflecting an effort to improve diversity at the league’s administrative level.
• General Managers: The role of general manager saw significant diversity growth, with 30% being people of color at the start of 2023, marking an all-time high for the league.

Areas Needing More Progress

• Gender Diversity in Leadership: Despite improvements in racial diversity, gender diversity, particularly in leadership and executive roles, remains an area needing significant advancement. The representation of women in vice president positions stood at 28.3%.
• Executive and Ownership Levels: The report also suggests that diversity at the team executive and ownership levels continue to lag behind. These roles are crucial as they influence the overall direction and policies of the teams and the league.
• Pathways for Advancement: The data indicates that while there is a substantial representation of people of color in entry-level positions, such as quality control and coaching fellows, there is a disparity in advancement opportunities, particularly in moving to coordinator and head coaching roles.

Reflections and Future Directions

The 2023 NFL Racial and Gender Report Card serves as both a reflection of the progress made and a roadmap for the areas requiring more focused efforts. It underscores the importance of not only increasing diversity in entry and mid-level positions but also in creating clear pathways for advancement to higher-level roles.

To address these gaps, future initiatives and policies need to be tailored to not only attract diverse talent but also to nurture and advance them within the league’s hierarchy. Continuous monitoring, coupled with strategic planning and execution, will be key in driving the NFL toward a more equitable and representative future.

The Fritz Pollard Alliance, along with other stakeholders, continues to play a vital role in advocating for these changes and supporting the NFL in its journey towards greater inclusivity in both racial and gender diversity. The insights from the report card are invaluable tools in guiding these efforts and ensuring that the NFL remains committed to and active in promoting diversity at all levels.