Is the Rooney Rule Still a Necessity in the NFL or an Outdated Idea?

The Rooney Rule, in theory, is a good rule. There was an “old boys club” way about the NFL and it appeared as if minorities were being overlooked when it came time to hire.

Therefore, the rule was put in place by the NFL to give minority coaches a fair chance.

That’s fine, I’ve been of the mind set that I don’t care if you're black, white, blue, or pink. If you can get my team to the Super Bowl, then I’m all for you.

However, I think the rule does a disservice to everyone if a team has their eyes set on a coach or general manager, but then just gives a pity interview to satisfy this rule.

For instance, let’s say the latest rumors about the Redskins going after Jon Gruden are true. Also, let’s say Gruden wants the Redskins job now that his buddy Bruce Allen is the GM.

Why should the Redskins have to interview anyone else?  They have their guy and their guy wants them. It’s like going on the Dating Game when you already have the girl of your dreams waiting at your front door.

Like I said, I think the Rooney Rule is fine in an actual coaching search (like the one the Redskins were in two years ago), but when a team has its guy, then I think they should be allowed to go hire that guy instead of getting someone else’s hopes up or just trotting them out for the media to see.

So loyal reader, I leave you with this question.

In this new age in professional football in which the majority of the athletes are African-American and more minority coaches are being hired than at any point in the sport, do we still need the Rooney Rule?

Or can we just believe that NFL Owners and GMs are looking for the best guy, no matter the color?