A recruiting firm’s report on Brian Flores is under fire for containing multiple racial stereotypes that his lawyers say NFL teams use when assessing Black coaching candidates. The memo, from Korn Ferry and prepared for the Las Vegas Raiders during a recent coaching search, was unsealed as part of Flores’ discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and three teams. Flores’ attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, called it evidence of ongoing systemic racism in head coach hiring. The memo lists Flores’ strengths, like being polished despite his background, and weaknesses, such as having a chip on his shoulder or being unpredictable. Lawyers argue these points paint Flores as an angry Black man, reducing his intelligence through stereotypes. The document also notes ongoing litigation as a distraction, which Flores’ team sees as retaliation. Flores, who sued the NFL, Broncos, Giants, and Texans in 2022 over racism in hiring, is now the Vikings’ defensive coordinator. The memo references Tua Tagovailoa’s past criticisms, which Flores has addressed with reflection.
