'Rooney rule' co-author not satisfied
By wire services
Published January 25, 2006
WASHINGTON - This year's annual round of hirings has been a disappointment to those who have worked to bring more diversity to the league's coaching ranks. Nine of 10 openings have been filled, with no net gain in the current tally of six black coaches.
"We have some things to point to that we think are successful," lawyer Cyrus Mehri said at a forum on hiring practices sponsored by the American Constitution Society. "... That being said, we still believe that there's a double standard. We still believe it's an uphill battle, it's not a level playing field, and there is evidence of racial bias in the hiring cycle."
Nearly 31/2 years ago Mehri and the late Johnnie Cochran released a landmark report that criticized NFL hiring practices and prompted the league to create the "Rooney Rule," which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate in each head coaching search.
Since then, the number of black coaches has increased from two to six in the 32-team league. But the only African-American hired this offseason is Herman Edwards, who moved from the Jets to the Chiefs as part of a trade. Oakland is only team with an opening.
BILLS: Bill Kollar was hired as defensive line coach, Dick Jauron's first move since taking over. Kollar spent the past five seasons as the Rams' defensive line coach.
DOLPHINS: Dom Capers joined the staff Tuesday, giving Nick Saban two new assistants with NFL head coaching experience. Capers, hired as a special assistant to Saban, coached the Texans for their first four seasons before being fired after a 2-14 mark this season. He also coached the Panthers in their first four seasons, from 1995-98. On Sunday, Saban hired former Bills coach Mike Mularkey as offensive coordinator.
FALCONS: Bill Musgrave was hired as quarterbacks coach after spending last season with the Redskins. Matt Schaub, Michael Vick's backup, played his sophomore and junior seasons at Virginia under Musgrave, who was offensive coordinator.
RAMS: Ex-Saints coach Jim Haslett was hired as defensive coordinator and Greg Olson was named offensive coordinator. Olson spent two seasons in Detroit, first as quarterbacks coach, then as co-offensive coordinator. Haslett led New Orleans to its only playoff win over the Rams in 2000.
VIKINGS: Coach Brad Childress filled out his staff, hiring Fred Pagac as linebackers coach and former Bucs assistant Joe Woods as secondary coach. Woods was the Bucs' defensive quality control coach the past two seasons, working with new Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.
RIEMERSMA RETIRING: Former Bills and Steelers tight end Jay Riemersma, 32, who hasn't played since tearing his right Achilles' tendon more than a year ago, is retiring, his agent said.
Arena FootballThe Storm signed offensive/defensive lineman Kevin Dogins, who spent six seasons in the NFL, including 1996 and '98-99 with the Bucs. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound center also played with the Chicago Bears (2001-02) and went to training camp with the Atlanta Falcons in 2003 before signing as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- FRANK PASTOR, Times staff writer