Ben Johnson has me convinced.

[Mr. Scot]

Just now, SCO96 said:

It could be both sir.

I definitely think the latter suggestion in your post is part of it. If minorities are interviewed and don't get hired the Franchise/Owner can always say "We gave him an opportunity, but the other guy was better suited or qualified."

But let's look at this from another angle. A minority guy who might not normally get an interview could come in an ace the interview. So much so that the owner and GM are blown away and could say, "He may not have been my first choice but this guy is special. I'd hate to see him end up coaching another team in the NFL." From what I remember, the Steelers had that type of experience with Tomlin when he interviewed for that job almost two decades ago he still hasn't had a losing season. 

Different actors involved here...

I have no doubt that Dan Rooney (the guy who created it) intended for it to have a positive effect.

The league itself and other owners? That's where the questions begin.

Politicians have understood for decades that you can all too frequently get away with looking like you're doing something even though in reality you might not actually be doing anything.

Pretty sure that principle is very well known inside the NFL/

[CatMan72]

My heart wants Wilks... my brain wants Ben Johnson. 

[Mr. Scot]

2 minutes ago, CatMan72 said:

My heart wants Wilks... my brain wants Ben Johnson. 

i think that's a lot of us.