In the NFL, coaching movement is governed by league rules designed to balance competitive integrity with career advancement. A common question during the offseason coaching carousel is whether teams can block their assistant coaches from interviewing with other teams. The short answer depends on whether the move is a promotion or a lateral role.
This guide explains the current rules, how they’re applied, and what it means for teams and coaches across the league.
NFL Rules on Assistant Coach Interviews
Under NFL rules, assistant coaches fall into different categories when it comes to interview permissions.
Promotions Cannot Be Blocked
NFL teams cannot prevent assistant coaches from interviewing for promotions, including:
- Head coach positions
- Offensive coordinator jobs
- Defensive coordinator jobs
Coordinator roles are officially classified by the league as promotions, even if the coach already holds significant responsibility on their current staff. As a result, teams are required to grant permission when another franchise requests an interview for one of these roles.
This rule was strengthened to:
- Encourage upward mobility for coaches
- Improve fairness in the hiring process
- Support diversity initiatives such as the Rooney Rule
Lateral Moves Can Still Be Blocked
Teams can block interviews for lateral positions, which include roles such as:
- Quarterbacks coach to quarterbacks coach
- Defensive backs coach to defensive backs coach
- Offensive line coach to offensive line coach
Because these moves are not considered promotions, the coach’s current team retains the right to deny permission. This is why lateral assistant coach moves often stall or never become public.
Timing Restrictions Still Apply
Even when interviews are allowed, the NFL enforces strict timing rules, especially during the postseason:
- Coaches on playoff teams may have interviews delayed until specific postseason rounds are completed
- In-person interviews are often restricted until after the Wild Card round
- Virtual interviews may be permitted earlier, depending on league scheduling windows
These rules are intended to minimize disruption to teams still competing.
What This Means in Practice
In today’s NFL landscape:
- Teams cannot block assistant coaches from interviewing for head coach or coordinator positions
- Teams can block interviews for lateral assistant coaching roles
- Timing and format of interviews are still regulated by league policy
For coaches, this creates a clearer pathway to advancement while preserving roster and staff stability for teams.
Why the NFL Made These Changes
The league’s approach reflects a broader push toward:
- Fair access to leadership opportunities
- Greater transparency in hiring
- Stronger enforcement of diversity-focused hiring policies
By limiting a team’s ability to block promotions, the NFL ensures that qualified coaches are not held back solely due to contractual leverage.
Final Takeaway
NFL teams cannot block assistant coaches from interviewing for promotions like coordinator or head coach jobs, but they can still deny interviews for lateral assistant roles. Understanding this distinction is key to following the league’s coaching carousel each offseason.