The NFL hired zero minorities hired last offseason despite seven general manager vacancies and eight head coaching spots.

The NFL wants that to change this offseason, but some fear they may become too involved.

"The committee has a lot of pull, a lot of say with owners," one AFC personnel executive said. "It was such a sensitive year last year. Their recommendations are gonna go a long way with the owners, and there's gonna be a push if a job opens up to get a minority candidate in there. ... You have to let the owner make up his mind, but there will be a push."

An NFC general manager added, "I'm right there with them, I believe the pipeline is so important. But I don't want to force it. At the lower levels, yes. But don't force the placement of a hire at that level. It doesn't do the cause any good."

The panel itself is made up of eight men: Ernie Accorsi, Charley Casserly, Tony Dungy, Dennis Green, John Madden, Carl Peterson, Bill Polian and Ron Wolf.