FILE - Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator/linebackers Ted Cottrell, middle, runs a drill during the annual mini-camp at the team's practice facility in Eden Prairie, Minn., as Vikings' players, from left, E.J. Henderson, Chris Claiborne, Jeff Mack and Grant Wiley look on, May 7, 2004. Cottrell, who never landed that head coach position despite coordinating some superb defenses for the Bills, Jets, Vikings and Chargers, recalls Paul Tagliabue's passion for equity in hiring; the uneven playing field in which Cottrell and his Black peers were working; and Cottrell's own outspokenness when asked about the inequitable situation. (Jim Gehrz/Star Tribune via AP)

FILE - San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell looks on before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Indianapolis. Cottrell, who never landed that head coach position despite coordinating some superb defenses for the Bills, Jets, Vikings and Chargers, recalls Paul Tagliabue's passion for equity in hiring; the uneven playing field in which Cottrell and his Black peers were working; and Cottrell's own outspokenness when asked about the inequitable situation. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

FILE - San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell looks on before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Indianapolis. Cottrell, who never landed that head coach position despite coordinating some superb defenses for the Bills, Jets, Vikings and Chargers, recalls Paul Tagliabue's passion for equity in hiring; the uneven playing field in which Cottrell and his Black peers were working; and Cottrell's own outspokenness when asked about the inequitable situation.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)