Report: Armstrong interviewed; Rooney rule previously complied with
FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong, who nearly landed the Kansas City job two years ago, was interviewed for the team's vacancy on Sunday, according to an unsourced report by Alex Marvez of Fox Sports.
Armstrong’s units have consistently been ranked among the league’s top groups. He was one of the stars during the team's appearance on HBO's Hard Knocks. Perhaps, the Falcons could benefit from his man-to-man communication skills.
Armstrong did not immediately return a call to his cell phone or respond to text messaging.
In addition to interviewing with the Chiefs, Armstrong has had interviews in the past with the Eagles and the Bears.
The Fox Report and ProFootballTalk.com suggested that Armstrong’s interview was done to comply with the league’s Rooney Rule.
However, John Wooten of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Falcons complied with the Rooney Rule, which requires minority participation, when they sought permission to interview Arizona defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin last Monday on the first day of the search.
“They have already complied by requesting permission to interview (Bowles and Austin),” Wooten said. “As you know, teams that were in the playoffs could not interview this past week. But I’m sure they’ll do something here starting (Monday) if not (Sunday). They have gotten permission from the clubs, so everything is sent to go.”
The Falcons, while they haven't hired a minority coach, have a history of going beyond the minimum requirements of the Rooney Rule.
After the 2007 season, they interviews Leslie Frazier and Jim Caldwell.
In the search that ended up with Bobby Petrino as coach, the Falcons interviewred Michael Singletary.
In the search that landed Jim L. Mora, the Falcons interviewed Lovie Smith.
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About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
