Brian Flores claims that his lawsuit against NFL for alleged racist hiring practices will continue, even if he is hired as a head coach this offseason.
Flores interviewed with the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans, which have yet to fill their coaching vacancies. Flores is available to answer their calls if they so desire, but he stated that the suit would continue because the league requires change.
Flores stated Wednesday on CNN that “This lawsuit is about changing the hiring procedures in the National Football League.” “I want to coach football, that’s what my calling is.”
Flores stated that he knows of similar stories, and it’s difficult to share them. He described his potential sacrifice as greater than either coaching or football. He said that the NFL is at a crossroads.
Flores stated on CBS that “We’re going to keep it the same or go in a different direction and make some changes where we actually change the hearts and minds… of those who decide to hire head coaches, executives et cetera.” We have to change hearts.
Flores’ lawsuit filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal Court. The suit seeks class-action status as well as unspecified damages from the league and the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and the New York Giants along with unidentified persons.
Flores’ allegations have been denied by the NFL, Dolphins Broncos, Giants, and Broncos. The NFL stated that it would defend against Flores’ claims.
Rod Graves is the executive director of Fritz Pollard Alliance, and a former general manger in the league. He noted that Flores’ suit is the latest call for action by the NFL and its owners.
The Alliance fights for equity in pro football. It is named after a Black coach and player in the 1920s. It promotes diversity in the NFL by providing resources and education to its members that will enable them to succeed at all levels of the game.
Graves stated in a statement that “Men and Women of Color in the NFL Community have long known that their chances of advancement in the coaching ranks as well as in the front office is stacked against” “The Fritz Pollard Alliance supports coach Flores, and other efforts to equalize the playing field for women and men of color.”
After leading the Dolphins’ record of 24-25 over three seasons, Flores, 40 was fired by Miami. They were 9-8 in their second consecutive winning season but did not make the playoffs under his leadership.
According to the lawsuit, Stephen Ross, the Dolphins’ owner, told Flores that he would pay Flores $100,000 for each loss in his first season as coach. He wanted the club “to tank” to get the top pick in the draft.
According to the lawsuit, Ross pressured Flores into recruiting a well-known quarterback in violation league’s tampering regulations. The suit stated that Flores refused to recruit a prominent quarterback and that Ross cast him as an “angry Blackman” who was difficult to work with until he was fired.
Flores stated that he spoke with Chris Grier, general manager of Miami, about Ross’s anger at the team’s inability to win enough games. Flores claimed that he spoke repeatedly with Ross as well, saying that the team did not need to win at the time and that the coach was still under contract.
Flores stated that these conversations are not something you can make up.
Flores filed the lawsuit after receiving a series of texts messages from Bill Belichick, New England Patriots coach. This was three days before Flores’ scheduled Giants interview. Flores believed that Brian Daboll had already been selected as his new coach.
Flores stated that it was embarrassing to be honest. Flores said that there was disbelief, anger, and a surge of emotion for many reasons. This is probably why we filed the suit.
The Rooney Rule was implemented by the NFL in 2003 to increase the hiring of minority coaches. Since then, 27 of the 127 head coaching positions have been filled by minorities. The first four head coaching positions were filled by white men this year.
Teams must interview at least two candidates from the minority community to be general manager/executive for football operations, head coach, and all other coordinator positions. For any openings as head coach or general manger, at least one must be conducted in person.
Tony Dungy is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and was the head coach of Tampa Bay, Indianapolis and other teams. Rooney stated that the rule was designed to slow down the hiring process and allow for more time for candidates to be interviewed before announcing a hire.
Dungy stated that Dungy wanted to establish a process for searching for candidates and not an interviewing quota. My hope is for owners to be very specific about what they are looking for, and then have them research many people before making a final decision.
Teryl Austin is a senior assistant defensive coaching coach at Pittsburgh. He was interviewed for 11 head coaching positions without being hired. In October, he spoke to the AP about the NFL’s hiring process and stated that interviews are “invaluable experiences” which get Black candidates in front owners.
Flores’ lawsuit refers to Austin as someone who was “Never Given a Chance”, among those who had unsuccessfully interviewed for head coaching positions.
Austin was able to tell if an interview was genuine or just a rumor.
Austin stated, “I could tell when it was real in me.” “That’s so to me, it’s kinda worth it.”
Flores stated that he is aware of the possibility that this lawsuit could prevent him from ever coaching again. Flores described him as the NFL’s Rosa Parks for his criticisms of the league’s hiring practices.
Flores stated, “That gives us more confidence that we made a good decision and that we must continue fighting for change.”
