NFL Announces New Rules To Tackle Lack Of Diversity In Its Coaching, Executive Ranks

The NFL announced an expansion of its rules guiding how clubs consider minority candidates for top coaching positions and front office jobs Tuesday, describing the changes as "wide-sweeping workplace reforms."

NFL clubs agreed to modifications to what is known as the Rooney Rule, which has been in place since 2003 and requires teams with head coaching vacancies to interview at least one minority candidate.

Now all 32 NFL teams will be mandated to interview at least two external minority candidates for head coaching jobs.

While the league's first phase of reopening bars the vast majority of players and coaches from entering team buildings, the NFL previously said teams can open their facilities if state and local regulations allow them to do so and franchises are in compliance with any additional public health requirements.

The NFL memo says that in the first phase of reopening mandates, no clubs can have more than 50% of facility staff present, capping the number of personnel at 75 people at all team locations.