Flores’s lawyers, Douglas Wigdor and John Elefterakis, thanked Tomlin and the Steelers for what they called a “great opportunity” for Flores.
“While Coach Flores is now focused on his new position, he will continue with his race discrimination class action so that real change can be made in the N.F.L.,” they added in their statement.
Tomlin is one of three Black head coaches in the N.F.L., along with Mike McDaniel of the Dolphins, who is multiracial, and Lovie Smith of the Houston Texans, both of whom were hired this month. The N.F.L.’s Rooney Rule, which was implemented in 2003 to require teams to interview nonwhite candidates for head coaching and senior football executive positions, was named after Dan Rooney, whose family founded and owns the Steelers. Flores’s lawsuit called the provision well-intentioned, but added, “what is clear is that the Rooney Rule is not working.”
Flores played linebacker and safety at Boston College, and one of the roles he held during his 11-year tenure with the New England Patriots was coaching the linebackers, while he also ascended to defensive play-caller.