Any NFL team with a head coaching vacancy must interview at least one minority candidate under the league’s “Rooney Rule.” In their pursuit of Jon Gruden, the Raiders appear to have met that requirement.
John Wooten of the Fritz Pollard Alliance confirmed by phone Thursday that the NFL told him the Raiders have already interviewed two minority candidates for their head coaching opening. ESPN first reported the specifics Thursday evening. An NFL spokesman did not reply to an email seeking comment.
The Raiders are reported to have been targeting Gruden since before firing previous head coach Jack Del Rio following Sunday’s season finale.