ESPN reports the NFL has ended a mandate requiring all 32 teams to hire a minority offensive assistant ahead of the 2025 season. The league office confirmed the program's discontinuation, though senior VP Jonathan Beane emphasized it remains a voluntary best practice. The initiative, launched in 2022 after Brian Flores' lawsuit, reimbursed teams half the salary of hired minority coaches with direct access to head coaches and offensive staff.

Critics like Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier argue the move undermines diversity efforts, citing the league's history of discrimination and potential legal violations. Beane defended the change, stating the program always had limited oversight, with roles varying across teams.