Proposed NFL rule change could give Chiefs some draft compensation

Under a proposed rule change by the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs could receive draft compensation if Eric Bieniemy leaves for a head coaching offer.

A controversial new proposal on the table for franchise owners in the National Football League would provide a team like the Kansas City Chiefs some draft compensation in exchange for another team hiring away their minority coaching candidates.

Late last week, reporter Jim Trotter detailed a new proposal set for vote by owners that would seek to improve the Rooney Rule by creating even more incentives for a team to hire people of color in key positions—namely head coach or general manager. Under the rule change, a team would receive a boost to draft picks if they hired and then retained a minority in one of those leadership positions.

Per Trotter, a team would specifically move up six picks in the third round for hiring a head coach and 10 spots for a general manager—all in the draft before the leader’s second season with the team. If a team hired a tandem of minority candidates, they would be rewarded even further.

For a team losing a coach to such a hire, they are also entitled to some draft assets. For example, if Eric Bieniemy is hired away next winter to take over a team after being such a sought-after candidate in each of the last two years, the Chiefs would receive a third-round compensatory pick in the following draft. If an assistant left to become a coordinator, the team would receive a fifth round compensator pick.

It’s unknown whether or not this rule will go into effect since it’s contingent upon an upcoming vote of NFL owners. The rule change is also drawing considerable criticism for its failure to address core issues and the incentive levels are inconsequential here anyway.

Still if the rule does go into effect, it’s interesting to see that Bieniemy, who has waited unfairly as teams passed him over for each of the last two offseasons, might find a job in the one year where it would benefit the Chiefs with draft compensation. The timing is magical for K.C., even if the rule seems destined to be voted down.