Judge Rules NFL Discrimination Lawsuit Can Proceed in Open Court

Brian Flores' case alleging systemic racism in coaching hires will not be forced into private arbitration.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A federal judge has ruled that Brian Flores' discrimination lawsuit against the NFL can proceed in open court, rejecting the league's attempt to resolve the dispute through private arbitration. Flores, along with fellow plaintiffs Steve Wilks and Ray Horton, allege the NFL's hiring practices for Black coaches are 'rife with racism'. The judge sided with the plaintiffs, recognizing that arbitration controlled by the NFL's own leadership could lack impartiality.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant moment in the ongoing debate around diversity and inclusion in the NFL. It could force the league to more transparently confront its hiring practices for head coaches, which have historically been criticized for the limited number of Black candidates selected. The case is part of a broader national conversation about racial equity in professional sports.

The details

Flores, currently the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, initially filed the lawsuit in February 2022 following his dismissal from the Miami Dolphins. The lawsuit alleges the NFL is 'rife with racism' in its hiring practices. Wilks claims the Arizona Cardinals hired him as a temporary measure, while Horton alleges the Tennessee Titans did not offer a genuine interview for a head coaching position.

  • Flores filed the lawsuit in February 2022 after being dismissed from the Miami Dolphins.
  • The judge's ruling allowing the case to proceed in open court was issued on February 13, 2026.

The players

Brian Flores

The Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator who filed the discrimination lawsuit against the NFL.

Steve Wilks

One of the plaintiffs joining Flores in the discrimination lawsuit against the NFL.

Ray Horton

One of the plaintiffs joining Flores in the discrimination lawsuit against the NFL.

Judge Valerie Caproni

The federal judge who ruled that Flores' lawsuit can proceed in open court, rather than being forced into private arbitration.

NFL

The professional American football league that was sued by Flores, Wilks, and Horton for alleged discrimination in its coaching hiring practices.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

A pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 3. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching consequences for the NFL, potentially leading to significant changes in its hiring policies and a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing struggle for racial equity in professional sports, particularly in the NFL's coaching ranks. The judge's ruling to allow the lawsuit to proceed in open court, rather than private arbitration, represents a significant victory for the plaintiffs and could force the league to confront its hiring practices more transparently.