Steelers Owner Stands by Rooney Rule Despite Controversy

Rooney says no changes expected despite Florida attorney general's criticism.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:22am

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Art Rooney II, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has stated that he does not expect any changes to the Rooney Rule, the NFL policy that requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations jobs, despite recent criticism from the Florida attorney general.

Why it matters

The Rooney Rule has been a controversial policy, with some arguing it is an important step towards increasing diversity in NFL leadership, while others have criticized it as ineffective. Rooney's comments suggest the league is unlikely to make any immediate changes to the rule in response to the latest criticism.

The details

Rooney, who is also the chairman of the NFL's diversity committee, said he believes the Rooney Rule remains an important policy, despite the recent comments from the Florida attorney general criticizing its effectiveness. The attorney general had called for the rule to be abolished, but Rooney indicated the league has no plans to make any changes to the policy at this time.

  • Rooney made these comments on April 1, 2026 during the NFL owners' meetings in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Art Rooney II

The owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and chairman of the NFL's diversity committee.

Florida Attorney General

A state official who has criticized the Rooney Rule and called for it to be abolished.

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What they’re saying

“I don't expect any changes to the Rooney Rule. I think the Rooney Rule remains an important policy.”

— Art Rooney II, Owner, Pittsburgh Steelers

The takeaway

The Rooney Rule continues to be a polarizing policy in the NFL, with team owners like Rooney defending it as an important step towards increasing diversity, while critics argue it has been ineffective. The league appears unlikely to make any immediate changes to the rule in response to the latest criticism.