Fritz Pollard Group Initiates Inquiry Into Jeff Saturday Hire

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Fritz Pollard Alliance, an organization whose mission is to promote diversity in the NFL, wants to take a closer look at the Indianapolis Colts\' hiring of Jeff Saturday.

The organization released a statement reading, \"In light of the recent interim head coaching hire in Indianapolis, the FPA has initiated an inquiry with the NFL into whether this hiring process conformed with NFL Hiring Guidelines for naming an interim Head Coach.\"

League spokesperson Brian McCarthy told ESPN after Saturday was named to the position on Nov. 7 that interim head coach appointments are not subject to the Rooney Rule, which requires NFL teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head-coaching positions.

McCarthy said the team will be required to conduct a search that complies with the Rooney Rule after the season when seeking to make a permanent hire.

Via Stephen Holder/ESPN

[Chi Dynasty12]

All for diversity, but finding an interim coach mid-season isn't so easy. Every hour until the next matchup is valuable. They hired the guy who has a long history with the organization, including a Super Bowl. And he got the win in his first start.

I'm sure they'll assess more options after the season, and should hire the best candidate for the job.

[23artest23]

All for diversity, but finding an interim coach mid-season isn't so easy. Every hour until the next matchup is valuable. They hired the guy who has a long history with the organization, including a Super Bowl. And he got the win in his first start.

I'm sure they'll assess more options after the season, and should hire the best candidate for the job.

Your on the mark but it goes deeper than that. Saturday has been around THIS team, already knew portions of the offense, had relationships with current players/staff to a degree, and has been a guy that Jim has wanted to hire beyond just the consultation type work for several years minimum. I can absolutely see why this route was far more attractive than making a retread the interim HC. I think Saturday stays with the organization and it's more a question of what the position will be. Jeff is very intelligent and could definitely be in the front office if he wanted it. I don't see Ballard sticking around and suspect he will resign after the season which would open that up for Jeff.

[LipSkinMatter]

Peak Clown World.

If they hired a black coach there would be no inquiry. That's not racism though because something something evil whitey something something.

[Tom White]

Would this same group have even considered an investigation when this same owner hired Tony Dungy or Jim Caldwell as head coaches?

Did they consider that the rules are different for hiring interim coaches?

Can this "Alliance" which wants an investigation hit themselves in the butt with both hands while trying to get familiar with the rules?

[Plutonashfan]

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