Changes to MLS Hiring Framework
Major League Soccer (MLS) has implemented significant changes to its hiring framework for coaches and front office personnel, according to multiple sources who spoke with ESPN. The league has removed its previously mandated requirements for interviewing minority candidates, which were part of the initiative known as the ‘MLS diversity hiring policy’—now rebranded as the ‘MLS advance policy’.
Previous Policy Structure
Previously structured similar to the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which promotes minority interviews for coaching and front office roles, the original policy aimed to ensure that teams incorporated non-white candidates into their hiring processes for various technical positions—such as general managers and coaches. With updates rolled out in 2021, the policy emphasized increasing the representation of Black individuals among interview candidates and tightening enforcement measures. Under the guidelines in effect until now, teams were required to ensure that pools of finalists for technical roles included at least two candidates of color, including one Black or African American candidate. Non-compliance could result in financial penalties for teams.
Revised Policy Overview
In contrast, the revised policy now grants individual teams greater autonomy to set their own hiring standards, limiting the league’s oversight. Each club is required to form an internal committee for managing interviews and select a senior leader to oversee the implementation of their unique hiring procedures. While teams must sign an affidavit confirming their commitment to these processes—akin to the adherence expected with roster rules—the transparency associated with previous requirements has notably diminished.
MLS Executives’ Perspective
MLS executives argue that this new approach empowers teams to evaluate and choose talent without stringent mandates, suggesting that clubs will naturally be inclined to seek out diversity in candidates to boost their competitive edge.
“To win, clubs need to bring in the best talent, including minorities,”
stated Sola Winley, executive vice president of engagement for MLS. Winley also pointed out that any enforcement of the new hiring policies still rests with the league’s Commissioner, Don Garber, although the revamped framework offers fewer defined conditions for the appointment process.
Criticism of the Changes
Critics of the policy modification, including advocates from organizations such as Black Players For Change, argue that the changes set back progress toward equity within the league. Evan Whitfield, a former player and advocate for diversity, voiced concerns that the reduction of requirements reflects a diminishing commitment from league leadership to promote inclusivity. The stark underrepresentation of Black and Latino coaches in senior roles persists, with the current statistics showing that of managerial positions only three are held by Black individuals, all of whom are foreign-born. Meanwhile, Latino or Hispanic managers account for 13.3% of the total.
Political Landscape Influence
In light of these shifts, questions have arisen about the potential influence of the current political landscape on the decision to alter the league’s hiring policies. Winley dismissed these concerns, stating that the policy has been under regular review since its last update in 2021, with the ongoing process commencing prior to the political changes brought about by the Trump administration. As the effects of this new hiring policy unfold, it remains to be seen whether the aims of fostering diversity in MLS will still be realized under this more decentralized approach to hiring.
