I'd call it cautious optimism, as Madden 21 coins teams begin to submit formal request slips to interview coach and GM candidates. Along with Rod Graves, head of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, which operates together with all the NFL in the pursuit of greater diversity in the management and coaching ranks.

"A great deal of credit goes to (Commissioner) Roger Goodell and (VP of football operations) Troy Vincent for the sense of urgency which has developed relating to this issue over the previous 8-to-12 months."

There's nothing to winner before we see the final outcome of these searches, but it appears more than lip service is being paid into The Rooney Rule, and there is a sense within the groups doing the hiring which time for words is over -- that this league has to be more equitable in who gets to sit in places of power inside the sport, and, finally, only the owners themselves may change this.

Knowledgeable coaches like Marvin Lewis and executives such as Rick Smith seem very poised at this point to have a valid opportunity with numerous teams.

The league has become more aggressive, proactive and consistent with Buy Mut 21 coins its messaging to teams about the requirement to alter the way they have been doing business, and I have heard repeatedly from those doing the hiring, and people who represent many of the very best candidates, the character of the cycle will in reality differ.