The team that implemented the Rooney Rule is the same team that hired Brian Flores.
That’s something to be proud of.
The Steelers hired Flores Saturday to be a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach. The former Dolphins head coach and Patriots defensive play-caller is undoubtedly the most overqualified linebackers coach in the NFL, but after getting passed over for multiple head coaching jobs this offseason, he found a place on Mike Tomlin’s staff.
“I am excited about Brian Flores joining our coaching staff given his history of developing and teaching defensive players during his time in the NFL,” Tomlin said in a statement. “Brian’s resume speaks for itself, and I look forward to him adding his expertise to help our team.”
By hiring Flores, the Steelers didn’t only add an accomplished and experienced coach to their roster. They showed they’re all about bringing in the best people for the job, regardless of any inter-league drama.
It probably wasn’t easy for Art Rooney II to bring in a man who’s suing the NFL for racially discriminatory hiring practices. Flores accuses the Giants and Broncos of conducting sham interviews to satisfy the Rooney Rule, and alleges Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered him $100,000 per loss in his first season as head coach.
The Dolphins fired Flores in January after he led them to a 24-25 record in three seasons. Miami won eight of its last nine games last season.
There are many teams that could’ve used Flores services, beginning with the Patriots, who still don’t have an official defensive coordinator. Flores rose to coaching prominence due to his role calling plays for the 2018 Patriots defense, which held the high-flying Rams to just three points in Super Bowl LIII.
As Pittsburgh’s linebackers coach, one of Flores’ main responsibilities will be tapping into Devin Bush, the underachieving top 10 pick in the final year of his rookie contract. With Tomlin still likely calling defensive plays, Flores will work in concert with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, whose agent also said last month has taken part in sham head coaching interviews.
The NFL is the ultimate back-slapping league. Its 32 billionaire overlords are most concerned with protecting the shield, and seldom go against each other. There was an expectation that Flores wouldn’t work again until his lawsuit was settled, much like how Colin Kaepernick remains blackballed from the league for protesting against racial injustice.
It seemed to be a trade-off that Flores was OK making. “It's hard to speak out and you're making some sacrifices,” he said on CBS last month. “This is bigger than coaching.”
But now, that doesn’t have to happen. An accomplished and talented football coach can still do what he loves, all while pursuing his legal case. And the Steelers just added an excellent defensive mind to their staff.
This is a win all around.
