Ryan Clark, a one-time Super Bowl champion and current ESPN NFL analyst, ripped the New England Patriots for how they complied with the Rooney Rule during their head-coaching search.
The NFL’s Rooney Rule, which was created by the NFL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in 2003, requires each team with a head-coaching vacancy to interview at least two or more diverse candidates for the job. The rule expanded in 2022 to include interviews for women as part of the “minority candidate definition.”
Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their next coach about a week after firing Jerod Mayo. The team interviewed Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich to comply with the Rooney Rule – all done before the playoffs were over.
“I think this kind of puts a light on the Rooney Rule, which, to me, the New England Patriots made a mockery of,” Clark said Thursday on “Inside the NFL.” “To interview Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich, two coaches who aren’t even in football right now, just to fulfill a quota.
“The Rooney Rule was put in place so some of these minority coaches could get opportunities to get in front of some of the executives and some of these owners, that truly were looking to give the job to the best person. Now, I want to make it clear – I believe we have moved to a point where organizations will hire the best person they feel for the job. But let’s not make coaches, who have worked their entire lives for this opportunity, be the token interview.
Nov. 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri: Broadcaster Ryan Clark prior to a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
“I think a better solution is for teams who want to skip the Rooney Rule, like the New England Patriots probably would have, because they wanted Mike Vrabel, allow them to hire someone on the lower level that reports directly to the head coach, reports to directly to the offensive coordinator, so they could get some of that tutelage that allows their resumes and their careers to build.
“Let’s stop with the bull-crap interviews just to say we did what the Rooney Rule was supposed to do. When it was implemented initially, I believe it worked. It has now run its course and become something that is a joke to NFL and NFL coaches, and more importantly, to the people it was supposed to help.”
Vrabel has a long history with the Patriots, having won three Super Bowl titles with the team during his playing career.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel smiles while posing with team owner Robert Kraft, right, during an availability on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
He started his coaching career with the Tennessee Titans in 2018. He was 54-45 with the Titans and led them to three playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship appearance.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
Former Super Bowl champion and NFL player, Marcellus Wiley, recently spoke out against the league’s Rooney Rule, calling it a “joke” and criticizing how the New England Patriots complied with it.
The Rooney Rule, implemented in 2003, requires NFL teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation positions. However, Wiley believes that many teams are simply going through the motions and not taking the rule seriously.
In a recent interview, Wiley specifically called out the Patriots for their compliance with the Rooney Rule when hiring Bill O’Brien as their head coach in 2022. O’Brien, who is white, was reportedly the only candidate interviewed for the position, which Wiley believes undermines the intention of the rule.
Wiley, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001, emphasized the importance of diversity in coaching staffs and front offices and called for more accountability in how teams adhere to the Rooney Rule.
As discussions about diversity and inclusion continue to be at the forefront of the NFL, Wiley’s outspoken criticism sheds light on the challenges that still exist within the league and the need for real change to be implemented.
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Super Bowl champion, NFL, Rooney Rule, teams, Patriots, compliance, diversity, hiring practices, football, player perspective, NFL controversies, player criticism, diversity in sports, Super Bowl champion critique
Wayne Rooney and Plymouth Argyle have “mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect”, the club have announced. The 39-year-old was appointed in May and leaves with the club sat bottom of the Championship, four points from safety after 23 games. They most recently lost 2-0 to fellow strugglers Oxford and 4-0 to Coventry.
In a statement on the Plymouth website, Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board of Plymouth, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.
“Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as head coach and I wish them all the best for the future.
Wayne Rooney and his coaching team during the defeat at Oxford that proved his final game as Plymouth manager. Photograph: Dennis Goodwin/ProSports/Shutterstock
“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever. I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.
“Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”
The first-team coach, Kevin Nancekivell, and the club captain, Joe Edwards, will be in charge for Plymouth’s New Year’s Day home game against Bristol City.
A statement on the club website read: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and head coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. Departing the club with Rooney will be assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland.
“We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future. The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first-team management staff in due course.”
Wayne Rooney leaves Plymouth by mutual consent after seven months | Plymouth Argyle
In a surprising turn of events, Wayne Rooney has parted ways with Plymouth Argyle after just seven months with the club. The decision to leave was made by mutual consent, with both parties agreeing that it was in the best interest of all involved.
Rooney joined Plymouth in January of this year, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. However, despite his best efforts, the club has struggled to find success on the pitch, leading to this decision to part ways.
Plymouth Argyle released a statement thanking Rooney for his contributions during his time with the club and wishing him the best in his future endeavors. Rooney also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for Plymouth and stated that he is now looking forward to the next chapter in his career.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Wayne Rooney, but one thing is for certain – his time with Plymouth Argyle will not be forgotten. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
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Wayne Rooney, Plymouth Argyle, mutual consent, football, departure, player, transfer, news, sports, English football, League One, club
Wayne Rooney has departed as manager of second-tier Plymouth Argyle after agreeing to mutually parts ways with the club after 25 games.
Rooney, the Manchester United and England legend, had been hoping to kickstart his non-playing career in his fourth role in management but leaves after seven months at the Championship club, with just five victories to his name.
“Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect,” Plymouth said in a statement on Tuesday.
The news follows disappointing spells for Rooney at Derby County, D.C. United and Birmingham City, who were relegated to League One following Rooney’s disastrous 15-game run.
Plymouth, having finished a place above Birmingham last year, will now hope to avoid the same fate.
“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever,” Rooney said in a statement.
“Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”
Wayne Rooney: Man United legend departs as Plymouth boss
After a storied career at Manchester United, Wayne Rooney has taken on a new challenge as the manager of Plymouth Argyle. The former Red Devils striker, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, has decided to hang up his boots and transition into a coaching role.
Rooney’s departure from Manchester United marks the end of an era, as he leaves behind a legacy of success and countless memorable moments. From his stunning debut goal against Fenerbahce to his record-breaking goalscoring exploits, Rooney will always be remembered as a true legend of the club.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Rooney will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Plymouth Argyle. His leadership skills, tactical acumen, and passion for the game will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team, as they strive for success in the upcoming season.
While it is sad to see Rooney leave Manchester United, his appointment as Plymouth boss is an exciting development for both him and the club. Fans will be eager to see how he fares in his new role, and there is no doubt that he will give his all to ensure that Plymouth achieve their goals.
Wayne Rooney may have bid farewell to Manchester United, but his legacy will live on forever. As he begins this new chapter in his career, we wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing what he can achieve as the manager of Plymouth Argyle.
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Wayne Rooney, Man United legend, Plymouth boss, Wayne Rooney departure, football news, Man United, Plymouth Argyle, football legend, Wayne Rooney retirement, soccer updates
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Exciting news for fans of Sally Rooney’s hit novel “Intermezzo” – a new paperback edition is now available!
This highly acclaimed novel has captivated readers with its raw and intense portrayal of love, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of Dublin, “Intermezzo” follows the lives of two young women, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate the ups and downs of their tumultuous relationship.
Rooney’s writing is sharp, insightful, and incredibly moving, making “Intermezzo” a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling and thought-provoking story. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Rooney’s work or you’re just discovering her for the first time, this new paperback edition is the perfect addition to your bookshelf.
Don’t miss out on the chance to delve into the world of “Intermezzo” – pick up your copy today and prepare to be swept away by this unforgettable tale.
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