Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Owner Comments On Jeff Saturday And Rooney Rule

Originally posted on The Cold Wire | By Andrew Elmquist | Last updated 12/15/22

Jeff Saturday was named interim coach of the Indianapolis Colts a few weeks back, which has been met with much scrutiny and debate.

Saturday didn’t have any meaningful head coaching experience and had only coached at a high school level before stepping in for the Colts.

Yesterday, additional information arose about the circumstances surrounding Saturday’s hiring.

Asked about Jeff Saturday, #Steelers president Art Rooney II says enforcing the Rooney Rule was discussed in committee, but it was decided: “It’s just impossible to require that for an interim head coach.” Emphasizes the #Colts will have to comply in full search after the season.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 14, 2022

This additional information peels back the curtain and allows NFL fans to take a peek at what it’s like when a head coach is fired mid-season.

There isn’t a lot of time to act, and, as seen in this circumstance, it is difficult for an NFL organization to play by all of the typical rules that go into the hiring of a head coach.

What Is The Rooney Rule?

The Rooney Rule was instituted in the NFL in 2003.

This rule was created due to the lack of minorities in head coaching roles.

In 2009, the NFL amended this rule to include general manager and other front office positions.

Under the Rooney Rule, NFL organizations are required to interview at least two minority candidates for each open NFL position that falls under this criteria.

In 2020, the Rooney Rule was amended once again, this time, with a reward system in place.

If an NFL organization employs an individual who is a minority, and that person is acquired by another team in the league, the original organization is awarded two third-round draft picks, dubbed “Compensatory Picks.”

For more information on the Rooney Rule, and to learn more about its history, please visit this link.

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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