A Note From The Chairman

There is a rumor floating around that minorities are being favored and allowed to take coaching and front office positions when others are not. This allegation of reverse discrimination is wholly untrue.

The NFL rules say a person who is under contract to his club cannot take an interview or leave the club to take a position with another club, without the permission of his current club, unless he is going as a general manager or a head coach.

Although we feel this rule is difficult and somewhat unfair, it is the rule. Individual clubs have the right to choose to release personnel for non-head coach and non-general manager interviews, and they sometimes do, but the allegation that clubs have favored minorities in this regard is completely untrue. In fact, there have been a number of minorities who have been denied the opportunity to go interview or accept other positions for various reasons. Lawrence McCutcheon (St. Louis Rams) was denied permission to interview for the position of Vice President of Player Personnel with the Minnesota Vikings. Frank Bush (Arizona Cardinals) was denied the opportunity to interview for the position of Defensive Coordinator with the Houston Texans. Brian Gardner (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) was denied the opportunity to interview as Director of Pro Personnel with the Arizona Cardinals. Vince Newsome (Baltimore Ravens) was denied the opportunity to interview as Pro Director with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Although there has been absolutely no reverse discrimination, we do think that there has been great movement regarding diversity this summer in the NFL. For instance:

  • Rick Smith became General Manager of the Houston Texans.
  • Frank Bush was elevated to Assistant Head Coach - Linebackers for the Arizona Cardinals.
  • Jim Skipper was elevated to Assistant Head Coach for the Carolina Panthers.
  • Tony Softli rose to Vice President - Player Personnel for the St. Louis Rams.
  • Joey Clinkscale was elevated to Director of College Scouting for the New York Jets.
  • Ray Farmer became Pro Personnel Director for the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • Don Gregory captured the Carolina Panthers' Director of College Scouting position.
  • Leslie Frazier was named as Special Assistant to Head Coach - Defensive Backs for the Indianapolis Colts.

We believe all of these promotions are more than well-deserved.

In addition, in the league office, there are a number of minorities in football operations and game-day operations. Further, several minorities have been interviewed for positions and the interview processes are still ongoing.

We informed you of these things so you will know that diversity is working well in the NFL. So, forget the rumors, throw them out, don't let them affect you, and continue to work hard. We are looking forward to a great, great 2006 season.