The Fritz Pollard Alliance met with the NFL this week and submitted names of suggested GM and head coaching candidates. The list, which is distributed to teams each year, recommends minority candidates for openings around the league. 
This year’s candidates for GM jobs are Joey Clinkscales (Raiders), Alonzo Highsmith (Packers), Ray Farmer (Rams consultant), Will McClay (Cowboys), and Doug Williams (Redskins), according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The head coaching candidates are Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, Vikings DC George Edwards, Panthers DC Steve Wilks, and Titans offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie, as Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
Farmer has ten years of front office experience under his belt, including two as the Browns’ GM. The team went 10-22 under his watch, so wouldn’t necessarily be an exciting choice for a team this offseason. The other four suggested candidates would be first-time GMs, if hired.
Austin has been considered a bonafide head coaching candidate for some time, but he has been left in a holding pattern. In the 2016 offseason, Austin opined that two of his four interviews were done solely to satisfy the Rooney Rule. This past year, he interviewed with the Rams and Chargers.
Absent from the list is former Bills GM Doug Whaley, who received a potentially bogus interview with the Browns this week.
i think a committee trying to influence who you hire is wrong
I agree, pretty sad they have to release a suggested list. How about hiring the most qualified? If they happen to be white, black, red or yellow it shouldn’t matter.
I agree, but the problem is that while many people see it that way, some people don’t, so I guess that’s why they put out the list and have the Rooney Rule to protect minorities without enforcing a quota of any kind.
Titans oc Robiskie a hc candidate? This post just lost all validity.
Ray Farmer is an idiot.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the Rooney Rule isn’t a good rule. I like the intent — all candidates should be viewed equally regardless of race — but it doesn’t really do anything other than insult the candidates that get interviews out of it. Unless you’re a legitimate candidate already, what purpose does it serve to have someone come in for a pointless interview?
Football isn’t like a normal job. Turnover every year is virtually guaranteed. An interview is an opportunity to impress and create positive rumors for future jobs.
What a stupid concept. The fact the NFL pays attention to this, even just a little, is disappointing.
The Rooney Rule (and the new MLB version) is the only open racism left in sports.
If you want to make the convoluted argument that you are fighting previous racism with new and different racism, so be it, but it’s still racism.
Lol to profootballrumors.com!! Liberals lol
Joey Clinkscales?
Was his ancestor an apothecary?