Brian Flores Lawsuit Latest Update, Judge Rules NFL Discrimination Case Can Proceed To Trial, No Arbitration—February 2026 Court Decision Sends Case To Open Court After 4-Year Delay

In a significant ruling that advances Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL for race discrimination and retaliation, U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni on Friday ruled that all of Flores’ claims will proceed in court and not be dispatched to an arbitration process overseen by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The February 13, 2026 decision reverses a previous order and means evidence about the race of coaching candidates could become public.

Caproni emphasized the case is still at the “starting block” despite being filed four years ago in February 2022. No settlement exists, and the litigation enters a new phase where NFL officials and team owners may be forced to testify about hiring practices under oath.

What Is The Brian Flores Lawsuit About?

Flores, who is joined in the lawsuit by Steve Wilks and Ray Horton, sued the league and three teams in February 2022 after he was fired the previous month by the Miami Dolphins. Now the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, Flores alleged in his original suit that the league was “rife with racism” regarding its hiring practices when it comes to Black coaches.

The lawsuit targets the NFL and five teams: the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Arizona Cardinals. Flores wants the case to be certified as a class action on behalf of all Black head coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators, and QB coaches, as well as general managers.

Why The Arbitration Battle Matters

For nearly four years, the central fight involved whether Flores must resolve claims through NFL-controlled arbitration or proceed to jury trial. Friday’s decision flows from last year’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which denied arbitration as to the remaining Flores claims based on the NFL’s insistence that Commissioner Roger Goodell control the process.

That same “fatal flaw” (as Judge Valerie Caproni described it) impacts all efforts to compel arbitration. The court found that forcing employees to arbitrate discrimination claims before their employer’s own chief executive violates their legal rights.

This mirrors concerns in employment discrimination cases like the H1B visa discrimination lawsuits where systematic bias against American workers led to $25 million+ verdicts.

The Explosive Sham Interview Allegations

Flores provided text message evidence showing former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick congratulating him for getting the Giants head coaching job. However, Flores told Belichick that he had not yet interviewed for the position. Belichick believed his messages were going to Brian Daboll, who was hired by the Giants.

The texts allegedly prove the Giants had already decided to hire Daboll before interviewing Flores—making Flores’ interview a “sham” designed only to satisfy the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview minority candidates.

The lawsuit named the Broncos after Flores alleged they interviewed him for their head coach opening in 2021 “only because of the Rooney Rule”.

Steve Wilks And Ray Horton Join The Fight

Wilks, who was fired in December as the New York Jets defensive coordinator, joined the lawsuit by claiming the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 hired him as a “bridge coach” and didn’t provide him with a realistic chance to succeed.

Horton, who last coached in the NFL in 2019, alleged the Titans didn’t offer him a genuine interview for the head coaching position in 2016.

Current Status: No Settlement, Case Heads To Discovery

No settlement negotiations are public, and no claim forms exist. The ruling means that the Flores claims against the NFL, the Dolphins, the Giants, the Broncos, and the Texans will be handled in court, not arbitration.

For background on how this case has evolved, see the Brian Flores Lawsuit Update, NFL Petitions Supreme Court After Losing Arbitration Battle (January 2026) article covering the NFL’s failed attempt to force arbitration.

What Happens Next?

The case now enters discovery, where Flores’ legal team can demand internal communications, hiring documents, and testimony from team owners and NFL executives. The public-facing nature of the case could provide an incentive to the NFL to try to settle the litigation out of court.

However, settlement seems unlikely given the NFL’s aggressive legal strategy, including petitioning the Supreme Court to force arbitration earlier this year.

FAQs

What is the Brian Flores lawsuit about?

Flores alleges the NFL and five teams engaged in racial discrimination by conducting sham interviews to satisfy the Rooney Rule rather than genuinely considering Black candidates for head coaching positions. The lawsuit seeks class action status for all affected Black coaches.

Is there a settlement I can join?

No. As of February 2026, no settlement exists. The case just won the right to proceed in open court after four years of procedural battles over arbitration.

Who can join this lawsuit?

Flores seeks class action certification for Black head coaches, coordinators, QB coaches, general managers, and candidates for those positions who experienced discrimination within the statute of limitations. No claim process exists yet.

When will there be a trial?

No trial date is set. The case just entered the discovery phase after the February 13, 2026 ruling allowed it to proceed in court rather than NFL arbitration.

What teams are being sued?

The Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans, along with the NFL itself.

Can I file a claim for money?

No claim forms exist because no settlement has been reached. If a settlement occurs or the case goes to trial with a plaintiff victory, eligibility and claim procedures will be announced then.

How do I stay updated on this case?

Monitor court filings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York under case Flores v. NFL. Legal news outlets covering employment discrimination and sports law will report major developments.

Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about ongoing litigation and is not legal advice. No settlement or claim process exists as of February 2026.

What To Do: If you believe you experienced racial discrimination in NFL hiring practices, consult an employment discrimination attorney to evaluate your situation and legal options.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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