NFL reviewing alleged 'not the right minority' comment from Chung's job interview

The NFL is undertaking a review after offensive line coach Eugene Chung said a team official told him he was "not the right minority" during a job interview this offseason, the league announced Monday.

"That comment is completely inappropriate and contrary to league values and workplace policies," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement. "The NFL and its clubs are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all personnel in a manner that is consistent with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion."

The Fritz Pollard Alliance, a foundation that champions diversity within the NFL, also called for an investigation after Chung's account of the interview became public.

Chung is of Korean descent. He joined the Philadelphia Eagles as an assistant offensive line coach in 2010, followed Andy Reid to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, and returned to the Eagles in 2016. The 51-year-old last coached with the Eagles in 2019.

The former offensive lineman became the first Asian American drafted in the first round when the New England Patriots selected him 13th overall in 1992. He also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts before retiring from playing in 2000.

The NFL recently implemented a rule rewarding teams with draft picks for developing minority coaches or front-office executives who land with other teams. The league has also updated the Rooney Rule, requiring clubs to interview at least two minority candidates for head coaching jobs and one minority candidate for a coordinator position.