In December of 2002, Pittburgh Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney, a face anonymous to many fans, spearheaded an initiative that changed the way one of the biggest sports entities in this country operates.

Safe to say, the "Rooney Rule" isn't nearly as anonymous as its namesake but it has provided some hiring opportunities to those who may never have had the chance. However, as the rule enters its sixth year, questions need to be asked, not about its relevance, but instead the implementation of its fundamental infastructure.

Roger Goodell likes to say on every topic, whether it's the Pro Bowl, playoff seeding, or playing games overseas--that the league can always improve, change, and do better. The same can be said for the "Rooney Rule."

The rule stipulates that for every head coaching opening in the NFL, at least one minority candidate must be interviewed. It stands to reason that the doors that may have been closed to these individuals previously, the "Rooney Rule" would help creep open.

The New York Jets were looking for a head coach to replace Bill Parcells, when thanks to the "Rooney Rule," Herman Edwards, an assistant for the Tampa Bay Bucs, interviewed for the position. He so impressed Jets officials that he was given the job. He took New York to three playoff appearances. Would he have even gotten an interview if it wasn't for the rule? It's hard to say, but it's fair to note that thanks to it, Edwards got his first head coaching job and the Jets found a candidate they may have never considered otherwise

There have been other success stories. Mike Tomlin was a 34-year defensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings. Through the "Rooney Rule," he interviewed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team Rooney owns. One year later, he took them to the NFL Playoffs, stands as only the third head coach in Steelers history, and one of the bright young minds in the game.

The "Rooney Rule" though, like many rules in our world, can be easily circumvented--and that is why this rule needs re-examination.

The one exception to the civic-minded rule is the following: If a current assistant coach on the staff is in line to succeed a head coach, the "Rooney Rule" does not apply. Therefore, no minority candidates have to be considered in cases like this.

Here is the issue I have with that: The NFL reasons that promoting an assistant continues a path of stability for a franchise and therefore becomes exempt to the "Rooney Rule." However, what is wrong with at least letting minorities interview? Maybe, a team has an experienced guy like the Jets did with Edwards and the candidate just wows the whole room. All I'm saying is that bringing a few guys in to discuss the job can't hurt at all, could it?

The Seattle Seahawks did this a week ago. They named the team's secondary coach, Jim Mora, Jr., to eventually replace head coach Mike Holmgren--so "the Rooney Rule" does not apply. I 'm not saying Mora, Jr. won't be a great coach; after all, he took the Atlanta Falcons to the NFC Championship game. (Although his career head coaching record in the NFL is 24-22. Fair to say the Seahawks could do a little better, right?)

Well, according to the "Rooney Rule," they don't have to do better. The "Rooney Rule" is great for the NFL, but much like other important issues, it needs a tweak as well.

Hope to see you on Thursday.

"-Z"