BRIAN FLORES

The team announced Thursday it has begun to discuss a potential contract extension for linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, a head coaching candidate who handled defensive playcalling this season. The full statement:The New England Patriots and Head Coach Bill Belichick have begun contract extension discussions with Jerod Mayo that would keep him with the team long-term. The Patriots are unique in the NFL in that they played this season without an offensive or defensive coordinator. Mayo has shared defensive playcalling duties with fellow linebackers coach Steve Belichick since the exit of Brian Flores, who held the same role, in 2019. The offensive playcalling — the entire offense, really — hasn't been so successful.

The Texans reportedly fired Smith Sunday night, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Smith is the second straight coach to last just one season with the Texans. Lovie Smith fired after losing seasonThe Texans were reportedly down to three candidates last offseason: McCown, Flores and Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. He was the defensive coordinator for a 4-13 Texans team in 2021 that gave up the second-most yards in the NFL. The Texans fired David Culley after one season, but hired the coordinator of a bad defense.

The Boston Bruins have hired a law firm led by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to review their player vetting process after signing prospect Mitchell Miller and then rescinding his contract offer.

There are multiple ongoing investigations of Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, including one by the District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine, who filed a civil consumer protection lawsuit Thursday against the team, Snyder, the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell. And there is the pending racial discrimination lawsuit brought by Pittsburgh Steelers assistant Brian Flores. Steve Wilks, recently promoted to interim coach of the Carolina Panthers, and former NFL assistant Ray Horton became co-plaintiffs in April. ___AP Sports Writers Will Graves in Pittsburgh, Stephen Whyno in Washington and Tom Withers in Cleveland contributed to this report. ___Follow Howard Fendrich on Twitter at https://twitter.com/HowardFendrich___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

The NFL’s overwhelming popularity just keeps on growing, no matter how many significant, unsavory off-field issues loom as its season enters its second half.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett will play against Miami if he clears the NFL's concussion protocol.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Lawyers for three Black NFL coaches alleging racial bias by the league took aim directly at Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday in their latest arguments against arbitrating a dispute they say belongs before a jury. In June, lawyers for the NFL and six of its teams said arbitration was required because the coaches had agreed in their contracts to multiple arbitration provisions "that squarely cover their claims." They also said the coaches were required to go to arbitration individually rather than as a group. Lawyers for the league and its teams did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday from The Associated Press. That move made it more likely she'll rule on the arbitration issue within weeks rather than months.

Lawyers for three Black NFL coaches alleging racial bias by the league took aim directly at Commissioner Roger Goodell in their latest arguments against arbitrating a dispute they say belongs before a jury.

After one of the wildest offseasons in NFL history featuring blockbuster trades, rapid free-agency movement, record-setting contracts and plenty of off-field drama, the regular season is almost here.

The other coaches later joined the lawsuit, which sought unspecified damages and class-action status. Caproni wrote that courts have not historically allowed lawyers to gather evidence prior to deciding whether a case is required to go to arbitration. “An agreement to arbitrate is binding on the parties unless the agreement is invalid under state contract law,” she wrote. If they are confident in their defenses, they should let the process play out in court so the general public can see,” the lawyers said. Lawyers for the NFL and its teams did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

A judge has made it likely she'll rule in weeks rather than months whether NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gets to decide the merits of racial discrimination claims made by Black coaches against the league and its teams.

The Dolphins will forfeit a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft and a third-round selection in the 2024 draft. The team's owner is suspended through Oct. 17 and will have to pay a $1.5 million fine.

The audacity of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. “The independent investigation cleared our organization on any issues related to tanking and all of Brian Flores’ other allegations,” it began. In fact, Mr. Ross, it was Flores’ integrity that probably kept you from getting in even more trouble. Brian Flores saved your tail, Mr. Ross. Brian Flores has it.

"I know of no prior instance of a team violating the prohibition on tampering with both a head coach and star player" over several years, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.

The Miami Dolphins will forfeit a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft and a third-round selection in the 2024 draft.

The NFL has suspended Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and fined him $1.5 million for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton following a six-month investigation stemming from Brian Flores' racial discrimination lawsuit against the league. The Dolphins will forfeit a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft and a third-round selection in the 2024 draft. He may not be present at the team's facility and may not represent the club at any team or NFL event. He also may not attend any league meeting before the annual meeting in 2023, and he is removed from all league committees indefinitely. Dolphins vice chairman/limited partner Bruce Beal was fined $500,000 and may not attend any league meeting for the remainder of the year.

The NFL has suspended Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and fined him $1.5 million for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton following a six-month investigation stemming from Brian Flores’ racial discrimination lawsuit against the league.

Flores Lawsuit Football FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Jan. 9, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The NFL and six of its teams have formally moved in a New York court to force a lawsuit alleging that they engaged in racial discrimination into arbitration where NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would be the arbitrator. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) (Wilfredo Lee)NEW YORK — (AP) — The NFL and six of its teams have filed for arbitration in the lawsuit that alleges they engaged in racial discrimination. The NFL said employment agreements with teams signed by Flores and other coaches contain provisions that require the arbitration of all disputes. In its papers, the NFL argued that the discrimination lawsuit's claims were not properly before the Manhattan court because multiple arbitration agreements signed by the coaches require arbitration.

The NFL and six of its teams have filed for arbitration in the lawsuit that alleges they engaged in racial discrimination.

The last 12 months have been a transformative year in the NBA when it comes to diversity among coaches.

Brian Flores Lawsuit FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores stands on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Nov. 21, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The NFL is telling a judge there are multiple reasons why a lawsuit brought against it by three Black coaches, including Flores, who allege racist hiring practices should fail. It was the first hearing for a lawsuit Flores filed in February, when he claimed the league was "rife with racism" even as the NFL publicly condemns it. There are six minority head coaches currently in the NFL, a league where the majority of the players are Black. Wigdor said he rejected the league's invitation to discuss racial issues because there would be no magistrate judge or judge present.

A lawyer for an NFL coach who sued the league over alleged racist hiring practices has told a judge that arbitration is the wrong way to resolve the lawsuit in part because NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would be the arbitrator.

(AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File) (Kyusung Gong)The NFL will capitalize on Christmas Day falling on a Sunday. “Christmas, when it falls on an NFL game day, we’ve had a lot of success there, all due respect to our friends at the NBA. There have been 24 NFL games played on Christmas Day, including two postseason contests in 1971. The most famous Dec. 25 game remains Miami's 27-24 victory over Kansas City in double overtime in the AFC divisional round. North added that the NFL will play at least two Christmas games on Dec. 25 when the holiday falls on a Monday.

NEW YORK — (AP) — The NFL is telling a judge there are multiple reasons why a lawsuit brought against it by three Black coaches who allege racist hiring practices should fail. The letter was prepared jointly by lawyers for the coaches and the NFL to notify the judge of each side’s positions in advance of the April 29 hearing. It cited several reasons, including that the coaches would have to prove that they would not have experienced the alleged discrimination if they were not Black. As to the other coaches, the league's lawyers said they have not identified a particular employment practice that is causing a disparate impact on Black coaches or coaching candidates. In the same letter, lawyers for Flores and the other coaches said they will oppose the NFL's plans to force arbitration or to dismiss the case.

NEW YORK — (AP) — The NFL is telling a judge there are multiple reasons why a lawsuit brought against it by three Black coaches who allege racist hiring practices should fail. The letter was prepared jointly by lawyers for the coaches and the NFL to notify the judge of each side’s positions in advance of the April 29 hearing. It cited several reasons, including that the coaches would have to prove that they would not have experienced the alleged discrimination if they were not Black. As to the other coaches, the league's lawyers said they have not identified a particular employment practice that is causing a disparate impact on Black coaches or coaching candidates. In the same letter, lawyers for Flores and the other coaches said they will oppose the NFL's plans to force arbitration or to dismiss the case.

The NFL is telling a judge there are multiple reasons why a lawsuit brought against it by three Black coaches who allege racist hiring practices should fail.

Steve Wilks and Ray Horton have joined Brian Flores' lawsuit against the NFL, claiming they were discriminated against during hiring processes.

Steve Wilks and Ray Horton join Flores in seeking compensatory and punitive damages for Black head coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators and quarterback coaches and general managers.

Two coaches joined Brian Flores on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in his lawsuit alleging racist hiring practices by the NFL toward coaches and general managers. The updated lawsuit in Manhattan federal court added coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton. (AP Photo/David Richard) (David Richard)NEW YORK — (AP) — Two Black coaches joined Brian Flores on Thursday in his lawsuit alleging racist hiring practices by the NFL toward coaches and general managers. The updated lawsuit in Manhattan federal court added coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton. “When Coach Flores filed this action, I knew I owed it to myself, and to all Black NFL coaches and aspiring coaches, to stand with him,” he said.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Two Black coaches joined Brian Flores on Thursday in his lawsuit alleging racist hiring practices by the NFL toward coaches and general managers. The updated lawsuit in Manhattan federal court added coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton. In a release from the lawsuit's attorneys, Wilks said he hoped the lawsuit would help bring racial equality to the league. “When Coach Flores filed this action, I knew I owed it to myself, and to all Black NFL coaches and aspiring coaches, to stand with him,” he said. Messages sent to the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans for comment were not immediately returned.

Two Black coaches have joined Brian Flores in his lawsuit alleging racist hiring practices by the NFL toward coaches and general managers.

Tomlin, who like Flores is African American, did so because Flores is "a good coach." That Flores had sued the NFL and three teams — the Dolphins, Giants and Broncos — claiming racist hiring practices, did not dissuade the long-time Steelers coach in any way, Tomlin said Monday at the NFL owners meetings. A member of the league's powerful competition committee and one of the most influential coaches in the sport, Tomlin spoke strongly about the lack of minority head coaches in the NFL. He, Houston's Lovie Smith, Miami's Mike McDaniel, who is biracial, the Jets' Robert Saleh and the Commanders' Ron Rivera are the five minority head coaches among the 32 teams. There's a $1 million base salary in the first season in the event he's suspended by the NFL under the personal conduct policy.

Mike Tomlin did not hire Brian Flores as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers out of sympathy for the former Miami Dolphins head coach.

The 32 NFL team owners will deal with some significant issues at their meetings this week in Florida.

Steelers-Flores Football FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores smiles on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, on Nov. 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, to serve as a senior defensive assistant. Flores said Monday if Goodell truly wants to bring the kind of change the NFL's top executive has talked about in the wake of the former Miami Dolphins head coach's unprecedented legal maneuver, then Goodell should make sure the case is adjudicated by a jury of Flores' peers rather than in arbitration. “I think Commissioner Goodell has the influence to do what’s right,” Flores said during a teleconference with lawmakers to speak in favor of the FAIR Act, which would end forced arbitration. “The last thing you’re thinking about is arbitration clause that, if it all goes wrong ... or if you’re wronged, you’re going to be forced into a setting where really the odds are stacked against you,” Flores said.

Brian Flores wants NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to make sure his class-action lawsuit against the league and several teams over allegedly racist hiring practices isn’t settled behind closed doors.

Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL alleging racist hiring practices. (David Santiago/Miami Herald via AP, File) (David Santiago)Brian Flores wants the NFL to reject the Miami Dolphins’ request for an arbitration hearing regarding his class-action lawsuit against the team and the league alleging racist hiring practices. Flores’ lawyer sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday, urging him to turn down Miami’s request and have the case settled in court. There are currently ongoing legislative efforts to end forced arbitration for claims of race discrimination, which I fully support. Flores also claims Miami offered him $100,000 per loss during his first season with the team in 2019 in an effort to receive a top draft pick.

Steelers-Flores Football FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores smiles on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, on Nov. 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, to serve as a senior defensive assistant. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File) (Doug Murray)MIAMI — (AP) — Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores thinks race placed a factor in the team's decision to fire him in January. Flores interviewed for the job that ultimately went to Smith, who was an assistant head coach for the Texans last season. Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert said Monday that hiring Flores was based on Flores' track record.

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores thinks race placed a factor in the team’s decision to fire him in January.

Flores' lawsuit alleging racial discrimination by the NFL will continue, his attorneys say. In Pittsburgh, Flores will join a staff led by the NFL's only Black head coach, Mike Tomlin.

The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, to serve as a senior defensive assistant. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday to serve as a senior defensive assistant. Flores will specialize in working with Pittsburgh's linebackers, a group that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. “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,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. "The Steelers organization is FIRST CLASS," veteran Pittsburgh cornerback Joe Haden, who will become a free agent in March, tweeted after Flores' hiring was announced.

Flores, who is Black, was fired in Miami despite leading the franchise to consecutive winning seasons.

Steelers-Flores Football FILE - Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores smiles on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, on Nov. 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, to serve as a senior defensive assistant. The Pittsburgh Steelers hired the former Miami Dolphins coach on Saturday to serve as a senior defensive assistant. Flores will specialize in working with Pittsburgh's linebackers, a group that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. Houston subsequently hired Lovie Smith, who is Black, and Miami hired Mike McDaniel, who is biracial.

Brian Flores is back in the NFL.

Hired: The Pittsburgh Steelers hired former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores as a defensive assistant. (David Santiago/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Brian Flores, who is suing the NFL for racial discrimination, as a defensive assistant, the team announced Saturday. >> Read more trending newsWe have named Brian Flores as our senior defensive assistant/linebackers. — Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 19, 2022©2022 Cox Media Group

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and a few team owners and executives met with civil rights leaders who urged the league to make drastic changes to its hiring practices to improve diversity in leadership positions.

The former attorney general was tapped in 2020 by the NFL to work on an inquiry into claims of workplace misconduct involving the then-Washington Football Team.

NEW YORK — (AP) — The NFL has hired a law firm that includes former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to defend it and its teams in Brian Flores' race discrimination lawsuit. Lynch, the attorney general in the latter part of the Obama administration, will work with Brad Karp, chairman at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison. Flores, who is Black, was fired as Miami’s coach last month despite back-to-back winning seasons. After the lawsuit was filed, the league said it would defend itself against claims it called “without merit.” The Dolphins, Broncos and Giants also denied Flores’ allegations. Soon after, in a memo to the 32 clubs, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said:“We understand the concerns expressed by coach Flores and others.

Los Angeles Rams’ offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss the team’s Super Bowl win against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Today’s most popular idiom of American music was long overdue for this kind of celebration

If the former vice president’s nerves need shoring up after speaking out against Trump, he might take inspiration from the ex-Dolphins coach who sued the football league for racism.

Recently hired Brian Daboll has filled out a majority of his staff with the Giants, adding the first woman to hold a coaching position in the team’s history along with a pair of coordinators new to New York.

Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores filed his league-shaking racial-discrimination lawsuit a little more than a week ago.

At a press conference, Roger Goodell faced tough questions about his time as commissioner and claims of racist hiring practices throughout the league.

At his annual Super Bowl news conference, the NFL commissioner was grilled on two hot topics that have put the league under heavy scrutiny: racism and discrimination in hiring. “We won’t tolerate racism. We won’t tolerate discrimination," Goodell said. “I found all of the allegations, whether they were based on racism or discrimination or the integrity of our game, all of those to me were very disturbing. There are five minority head coaches on the 32 teams, two Black, one biracial, one Hispanic and one Lebanese.

Under a baking California sun, Roger Goodell knew the heat was coming.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the league will deal with discrimination in a serious way if he finds that teams violated that principle.

Black coaches are expected to put up with a hiring system that, in practice, is plainly biased against them.

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) (Wilfredo Lee)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — A group of civil rights leaders called for replacing the Rooney Rule in a meeting Monday with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, National Action Network Founder and President Rev. The Rooney Rule was established in 2003 and requires teams to interview candidates of color for head coaching and senior football operation positions. “However well-intentioned, the effect of the Rooney Rule has been for team decision-makers to regard interviews with candidates of color as an extraneous step, rather than an integral part of the hiring process,” Morial said. “The Rooney Rule has been proven to be something the owners used to deceptively appear to be seeking real diversity,” Sharpton said.

A group of civil rights leaders called for replacing the Rooney Rule in a meeting Monday with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Two people familiar with the decision say the New Orleans Saints have promoted defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to head coach.

Lovie Smith has been hired as the new head coach of the Houston Texans.

Giants Abrams Football FILE - New York Giants assistant general manager Kevin Abrams looks on during NFL football training camp, on July 28, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. He has a progressive approach to the evaluation process.”Brown interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings’ general manager position, which went to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. He had served as the Giants' assistant general manager for the previous 20 years under general managers Ernie Accorsi, Jerry Reese and Dave Gettleman. His new title allowed Schoen to pick his own assistant general manager. Prior to his tenure with the Eagles, Brown spent two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts as an advance scout (2016) and scouting assistant (2015).

The New York Giants have hired a Black assistant general manager less than a week after fired Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores sued the team, two other franchises and the NFL for alleged racist hiring practices.

HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Texans are in talks with assistant coach Lovie Smith for their head coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the meetings told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the team had not announced that Smith had interviewed for the job. The 63-year-old Smith is currently the Texans' associate head coach and defensive coordinator. Smith, who is also Black, coached the Chicago Bears for nine seasons and coached Tampa Bay for two seasons ending in 2015. ___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

The Houston Texans are in talks with assistant coach Lovie Smith for their head coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the meetings told The Associated Press.

The Miami Dolphins hired San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as their head coach Sunday, making him the first minority candidate to get hired so far this offseason. McDaniel had worked under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan for the past 11 seasons and gets his first shot as a head coach after only one year as offensive coordinator. McDaniel then worked in Washington for three years with Mike Shanahan as coach and Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator before working under Kyle Shanahan when he was a coordinator in Cleveland and Atlanta. The Dolphins’ hiring of McDaniel followed some paths that the team has used in the past, most notably how he is yet another first-time NFL head coach. The 49ers will receive two extra third-round picks the next two years as compensation for developing a minority head coach.

The Miami Dolphins have hired San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as their new coach, making him the first minority candidate to get hired so far this offseason.

Brian Flores, who is Black, was fired by the Miami Dolphins after back-to-back winning seasons.

Brian Flores, who is Black, was fired by the Miami Dolphins after back-to-back winning seasons.

The Pro Bowl is back on after a one-year hiatus, and the All-Star game is making its Sin City debut after the previous four editions were held in Orlando. But Flores' lawsuit served as a reminder to even these elite players that their sport has ample work to do on racial equality. Like I say, I support Coach Flores throughout everything. It’s got that Pro Bowl feel to it.”CAN'T KICK ITIn the NFL's latest attempt at innovation that also increases player safety, the Pro Bowl will have no kickoffs. NEW TOOLSSmart young players are using the Pro Bowl week as a chance to get to know their competitors in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere — while also picking up knowledge for the future.

The fun and games surrounding the Pro Bowl haven’t stopped some of the NFL’s top players from thinking about the racial inequities spotlighted by former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores’ discrimination lawsuit against the league.

Goodell also announced an independent investigation into claims of tanking brought up in former Dolphins coach Brian Flores' lawsuit against the league.

Brian Flores Lawsuit Football FILE - Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, left, walks off the field next to coach Brian Flores after the team's loss to the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL football game Oct. 24, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Fired Dolphins coach Flores sued the NFL and three teams Tuesday, Feb. 1, over alleged racist hiring practices for coaches and general managers, saying the league remains “rife with racism” even as it publicly condemns it. According to the lawsuit, Ross told Flores he would pay him $100,000 for every loss during the coach’s first season because he wanted the club to “tank” so it could get the draft’s top pick. (John McCall/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, File) (John McCall)NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told teams Saturday that the league will look to bolster policies meant to encourage hiring of minorities, particularly as head coaches, and he pledged an investigation into tanking allegations raised by Brian Flores in his discrimination lawsuit against the NFL. He named the league and three teams — the Dolphins, Denver Broncos and New York Giants — in a class-action lawsuit this week alleging unfair hiring practices in the NFL.

Brian Flores Lawsuit Football FILE - Denver Broncos general manager John Elway, left, stands with Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Denver, Jan. 1, 2017. John Elway is refuting Brian Flores' claim in a lawsuit that his interview with the Denver Broncos in 2019 was a sham and only conducted to satisfy the NFL's Rooney Rule. Elway said he seriously considered Flores, one of five candidates for the job that eventually went to then-Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Flores, recently fired as head coach in Miami, named the Broncos, Dolphins and Giants along with the league in a lawsuit this week alleging unfair hiring practices in the NFL. Elway said he enjoyed his 3½-hour interview with Flores and was “prepared, ready and fully engaged ... as Brian shared his experience and vision for our team.

The ex-head coach of the Miami Dolphins alleges racial discrimination in his suit against the NFL. The ultimate goal is change – even if he gets blackballed in the process, Flores tells NPR.

Andy Nesbitt and Mackenzie Salmon react to the Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL and take a first look at Super Bowl LVI. Christine Brennan previews the Winter games and Najee Harris and Doug Williams join the show.

(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File) (Brynn Anderson)ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — (AP) — John Elway is refuting Brian Flores' claim in a lawsuit that his interview with the Denver Broncos in 2019 was a sham and only conducted to satisfy the NFL's Rooney Rule. Flores, recently fired as head coach in Miami, named the Dolphins, Giants and Broncos in a lawsuit this week alleging unfair hiring practices in the NFL. And he denied Flores' contention he was hung over and just going through the motions to satisfy the league's requirement that teams interview minority candidates for head coaching jobs. Elway said he enjoyed his 3 1/2-hour interview with Flores and was “prepared, ready and fully engaged ... as Brian shared his experience and vision for our team." “It’s unfortunate and shocking to learn for the first time this week that Brian felt differently about our interview with him," Elway added.

Broncos president of football operations John Elway is disputing Brian Flores' contention that his interview for Denver's head coaching vacancy in 2019 was a sham and only conducted to meet the league's Rooney Rule requirement.

Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant Teryl Austin says the NFL needs to keep finding opportunities for coaches of color.

Brian Flores says his lawsuit against the NFL over alleged racist hiring practices will continue even if he becomes a head coach again this offseason because the league needs change.

Fired Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores has sued the NFL and three teams, alleging racist hiring practices by the league even as it publicly condemns racism.

The New York Giants hired Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll as their head coach Friday.

The NFL has taken several steps to improve diversity among leadership positions, yet Mike Tomlin is the only Black head coach after Brian Flores and David Culley were fired this week.

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio says it was his decision to fire head coach David Culley after just one season.

The Houston Texans have fired coach David Culley after just one season.

From the NFC North to the AFC East, the firings began almost immediately after the NFL’s first 17-game season concluded.

Back-to-back winning seasons were not enough for Brian Flores to keep his job as coach of the Miami Dolphins.

NFL executive Troy Vincent hopes hiring minority candidates becomes so common that the Rooney Rule is unnecessary.

Jaylen Waddle had nine catches for a season-best 137 yards and a touchdown, and the Miami Dolphins forced Cam Newton into one of the worst statistical days of his career on the way to beating the Carolina Panthers 33-10 on Sunday.

In the NFL’s most turnover-filled game in more than five seasons, the Miami Dolphins got 244 yards passing and a touchdown throw from surprise starter Jacoby Brissett on the way to beating the Houston Texans 17-9.

The Los Angles Chargers have moved into a tie with Las Vegas atop the AFC West with a 27-24 win over the Eagles.

Miami considered making a trade with Houston for Deshaun Watson but did not ask his accusers to sign nondisclosure agreements in the hopes of resolving the sexual assault and misconduct cases against the embattled quarterback, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said Wednesday.

Miami coach Brian Flores says Tua Tagovailoa is “our quarterback," reiterating his standard line amid trade speculation.

Current and former NFL players and others who work in the league have varying opinions whether the attitudes expressed by Jon Gruden in emails over several years are pervasive throughout the sport these days.

Tom Brady is facing another familiar opponent this week, minus the emotional element.

Tua Tagovailoa has fractured ribs and won't play Sunday when the Miami Dolphins visit the Las Vegas Raiders.

It was a rough day for NFL quarterbacks.

Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was carted off the sideline during the first quarter of Sunday’s game against Buffalo with a rib injury.

The Miami Dolphins have placed presumed starting left tackle Austin Jackson and backup tight end Adam Shaheen on the COVID-19 reserve list.