AG James Uthmeier Calls for End of NFL Rooney Rule

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has formally challenged the National Football League (NFL) regarding its diversity hiring mandate, known as the Rooney Rule, asserting that the policy violates state law.

In a letter sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on March 25, 2026, Uthmeier demanded that the league suspend the rule or face potential civil rights enforcement action from the state of Florida.

The Rooney Rule requires NFL teams to interview minority and female candidates for head coaching, coordinator, and front office positions. It also mandates that each team employ at least one woman or one person from an ethnic minority as an offensive coaching assistant with specific qualifications.

Legal Arguments and Allegations of Discrimination

Attorney General Uthmeier argues that the Rooney Rule constitutes blatant race and sex discrimination and that hiring decisions should be based exclusively on merit.

The Florida Attorney General claims the policy violates the Florida Civil Rights Act and federal anti-discrimination law. According to Uthmeier, the rule requires teams to limit, segregate, and classify applicants for certain employment and training opportunities because of race and sex in a manner that deprives applicants of employment opportunities.

In a video posted to X on March 25, 2026, Uthmeier stated that the rule violates Florida law by requiring race-based considerations in hiring, noting that Hiring decisions cannot be based on race under state law.

Stop discriminating based on race. Stop discriminating based on sex. Interview, hire, and train based on merit. If merit-based employment should exist anywhere (and it should exist everywhere), it is in the NFL.

James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General

Uthmeier further commented that Florida fans are concerned with the success of their teams rather than the race of the coach, stating, They care what colors their coach is wearing — and that those colors are winning on the football field.

NFL Response and Policy Context

The NFL has acknowledged receipt of the letter and stated that the league is currently reviewing its contents.

NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller defended the league’s diversity initiatives, stating that the organization believes its policies are consistent with the law and reflect a commitment to fairness, opportunity, and building the strongest possible teams.

The Rooney Rule is a two-decade-old initiative named after the late Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney. Over time, the league has expanded the rule to cover a broader range of positions and included women within the definition of minority candidates.

Timeline for Compliance

The challenge from the Florida Attorney General follows a broader trend of opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by Florida’s GOP leadership, led by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Uthmeier has set a specific deadline for the NFL to respond to his demands. He instructed the league to confirm by May 1, 2026, that it would stop enforcing the Rooney Rule.

Failure to comply by this date may result in the state taking civil rights enforcement action against the league.