Recently unsealed report on coach Brian Flores contains ‘racial stereotypes,’ according to lawyers

A recently unsealed recruiting firm's report on former NFL coach Brian Flores has been criticized for containing racial stereotypes and being evidence of unlawful retaliation for his discrimination lawsuit against the NFL. The report, which was prepared in connection with the Las Vegas Raiders' coaching vacancy in 2024, lists Flores' strengths and weaknesses, with multiple examples of racial stereotypes, according to his lawyers.

One strength cited in the report is that Flores is a "polished and good presenter despite growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn." Brownsville is a predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhood in Brooklyn. Another strength states that Flores was able to build strong friendships with wealthy individuals, such as a billionaire's son, which helped him socialize and learn how to build relationships with white-collar and upper-class individuals.

However, the report also lists several weaknesses attributed to Flores. One negative comment states that Flores "can fool you with his polish upwards. Has little people skills, lacks self-awareness and can sometimes exhibit erratic behavior." Other negatives include Flores' "unpredictable personality" and an instance where he "once threatened violence to his GM and made irrational demands during an ownership meeting."

The report further states that a long-term executive described Flores as "the worst hiring decision we've ever made." The report concludes that ongoing litigation related to Flores' discrimination case against the NFL could cause a distraction. Flores, who is Black, had previously sued the league and three teams in February 2022, alleging systemic racism in hiring practices for Black coaches.