Rooney Rule Or Looney Rule?

With the latest news about Pete Carroll leaving USC for the Seattle Seahawks, something stuck out to me more than usual.  The Rooney Rule, which was created in 2003, requires all NFL clubs to interview at least one minority candidate for the Head Coaching position.

I have always been in disagreement with this rule, similar to how affirmative action works (I also oppose that too).  Not because I do not think everyone should have a fair opportunity, but because exactly that they should have a fair opportunity.

Think of how many coordinators or anyone going for an interview must feel when they are being requested to interview, when they are sure they will not get hired.  Yes, their are more minorities in the NFL than ever before, but I think that speaks to the growing of society rather than the result of this "rule".

Everytime I think of teams switching head coaches, I think of the Rooney Rule, and how many coordinators go in and try their best to put on a good show, when the franchise is not even interested in them.  And often in media you hear o they satisfied the Rooney Rule, as to show that they just do it to get it over with.

This really ticked me off when the Seahawks reported they fired Head Coach Jim Mora.  Soon after, Chris Mortenson reported they were in talks with Pete Carroll.  However the Seahawks later requested an interview to talk to Leslie Frazier of the Vikings staff.

This is only being done to satify the Rooney Rule, and even Frazier noticed it.  How many coordinators does this happen to?  Everyone noticed this case because they stated how much they want Pete Carroll.  So why do many coordinators(and others) go for these positions knowing they are out of reach.  And knowing they will not be hired.

i feel Roger Goodell should rid the NFL of the Rooney Rule, it was created to give a fair chance to everyone, which I am not opposed to. But itself it creates the feeling and look that minority coordinators that they are not good enough, or they are only being used to give the other guy the opportunity.

I don't know, maybe I'm just an optimist, but I feel that every staff member in the NFL does have a fair chance already.  I think every NFL team goes for the best person available to make their team better.  The numbers speak for themselves, if you are good at what you do you will get an opportunity to become an NFL Head Coach.  I think teams look at staff for who will give their team the best chance to win