Falcons GM Pushes for More NFL Diversity Despite Florida AG Pushback

Cunningham says 'work to be done' on minority hiring, even as Florida challenges league's Rooney Rule

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:06am

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First-year Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said he'll continue to advocate for greater diversity in the NFL's leadership positions, despite a letter from Florida's attorney general claiming the league's minority hiring guidelines violate state law.

Why it matters

The Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coach, general manager and coordinator positions, has been a key part of the NFL's efforts to increase diversity in its leadership ranks. However, the rule has faced pushback from some who argue it amounts to 'race and sex discrimination'.

The details

Cunningham, who is Black, said he will be 'intentional' about promoting diversity from the grassroots to the director level, even as Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell claiming the Rooney Rule violates state law. Uthmeier asked Goodell to confirm by May 1 that the NFL was no longer enforcing the rule in Florida, or the league could face civil rights action.

  • Cunningham was hired as the Falcons general manager in January 2026.
  • Uthmeier sent his letter to Goodell in March 2026.

The players

Ian Cunningham

First-year Atlanta Falcons general manager who says there is still 'work to be done' on increasing diversity in the NFL.

James Uthmeier

Florida Attorney General who wrote a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell claiming the league's Rooney Rule violates state law.

Roger Goodell

NFL Commissioner who received the letter from the Florida Attorney General regarding the Rooney Rule.

Todd Bowles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, one of only three Black head coaches in the NFL, who said he needs more information before deciding if the Florida AG's complaint has merit.

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What they’re saying

“Just from my position, especially being a Black man, there's still work to be done. Now that I'm in this position and have this platform, I'm going to be intentional about what we do from a grassroots effort to a director level.”

— Ian Cunningham, Atlanta Falcons General Manager

“The political part of it, if he wants it out, and he has reasons why, I got to hear cases and all that. If I were the judge sitting behind a bench, I would probably have more info right now what he thinks, but I don't.”

— Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach

What’s next

The NFL must respond to the Florida Attorney General's letter by May 1, 2026, either confirming it will no longer enforce the Rooney Rule in the state or face potential civil rights action.

The takeaway

This dispute over the Rooney Rule highlights the ongoing challenges the NFL faces in improving diversity among its coaching and front office ranks, even as the league continues to emphasize the importance of providing opportunities for minority candidates.