There's nothing to champion

"A great deal of credit goes to Madden 21 coins (Commissioner) Roger Goodell and (VP of football operations) Troy Vincent for its feeling of urgency that has developed about this issue over the past 8-to-12 months."

There's nothing to champion before we see the final outcome of those hunts, but it seems more than lip service is being paid to The Rooney Rule, and there is a sense within the groups doing the hiring which time for words is over -- that this league must be more equitable in who gets to sit in places of power inside the game, and, ultimately, just the owners themselves may alter this.

Knowledgeable coaches like Marvin Lewis and executives like Rick Smith seem really poised at this point to have a legitimate chance with numerous teams.

The team has been far more aggressive, proactive and consistent with its messaging to groups about the need to change the way they have been doing business, and I've heard repeatedly from people doing the hiring, and people who represent many of the top candidates, the nature of the cycle will in reality differ.

"I have never felt that buy Madden 21 coins a vibe similar to this before," said one prominent agent. "I believe Goodell has put down the hammer and these groups are getting the message."