603. Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? (Part 1)
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The biggest sports league in history had a problem: While most of its players were Black, almost none of its head coaches were. So the N.F.L. launched a hiring policy called the Rooney Rule. In the first episode of a two-part series), we look at how the rule succeeded — until it failed.

• SOURCES:

• N. Jeremi Duru), professor of law at American University.

• Herm Edwards), former N.F.L. player and head coach.

• Jim Rooney), author and co-partner of Rooney Consulting.

• RESOURCES:

• A Different Way to Win: Dan Rooney's Story from the Super Bowl to the Rooney Rule)*, *by Jim Rooney (2019).

• "For ASU's Herm Edwards, Sports Bubble Helped to Overcome Racism Growing Up)," by Jeff Metcalfe (*The Arizona Republic, *2018).

• Advancing the Ball: Race, Reformation, and the Quest for Equal Coaching Opportunity in the NFL)*, *by N. Jeremi Duru (2010).

• "Differences in the Success of NFL Coaches by Race, 1990-2002: Evidence of Last Hire, First Fire)," by Janice Madden (*Journal of Sports Economics, *2004).

• EXTRAS:

• "When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee?)" by *Freakonomics Radio *(2023).

• "How Much Does Discrimination Hurt the Economy? (Replay))," by *Freakonomics Radio *(2023).