Minority hiring rate for NFL jobs nearly doubles

The number of minority hires for open NFL positions rose from 18.8 percent in 2020 to 34.6 percent in 2021. The minority hirings included three general managers, two coaches, three offensive coordinators, six defensive coordinators, four special teams coaches and three quarterbacks coaches. Interview requests for minorities increased to 47 percent from 22 percent in 2020. Twelve of the 28 candidates interviewed for head coaching jobs were minorities.

■ FCF: Former NFL wide receiver Josh Gordon joined the Atlanta-based startup Fan Controlled Football league as a member of the Zappers, a team that also includes ex-NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel. The league, which began play this month, features 7-on7 games in which fans set rosters, call plays and interact in a blend of traditional and esports environments.

■ College: At Carbondale, Ill., Javon Williams Jr. and Romeir Elliott each ran for two TDs as Southern Illinois beat topranked North Dakota State 38-14 to end the Bison’s 39-game win streak. NDSU (2-1, 1-1 Missouri Valley) has won three straight FCS titles. The Salukis (2-1, 1-1) had lost eight straight to the Bison.