We're disappointed. Disappointed, but not deterred. You can't look at the hires collectively and not reach the conclusion that there's a double standard and there isn't a level playing field.

The teams could try to individually justify their decisions, but if you look at it collectively, you can't help but reach the conclusion there's a double standard. Because for every person that was hired, there was a minority candidate as strong, if not stronger, that was overlooked. Things would normally even out over time a little bit, but the fact that it was 0 for 8 raises some concern.

The positives are that we have a Rooney Rule. We have a league that is not in a state of denial, but in a state of action to try to figure out solutions and working with us in a positive way. Every time there's been adversity, we've come back even stronger.

The black coaching candidates were at least as strong, if not stronger, than those who were selected. Each team could say what their justifications were, but. . . it still shows that there's an uphill battle for African-American coaches.

of not being put off, not being deterred.

We have some things to point to that we think are successful. We had a record number of interviews this year, over 25. . . We also had for the first time a trade for an African-American coach.