The Albany Gazette - US Football Hall of Fame revamps selection process

In changes that begin with consideration of the 2027 class, the selection committee also will return to in-person annual meetings to consider candidates for enshrinement of players, coaches and contributors.

"The Hall continually reviews its bylaws to ensure the selection process reflects the highest standards of integrity," Hall president Jim Porter said. "There is no more important task at the Hall of Fame than the election of each new class."

Porter said the changes came after a review that began 2.5 years ago but they also follow last February's controversial snub of former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who won a record six Super Bowls as a head coach, in his first year of eligibility.

Porter said previous selection process bylaws left room for "unintended biases", including in the way individuals presented nominees, how selectors were assigned to each of the NFL's 32 clubs and issues related to players reaching the last year of eligibility in the Modern-Era Players category.

After changes, one person, not a selection committee member will make all initial presentations to the selectors, who no longer will be assigned to specific NFL teams.

In addition, all players, no matter how long they have been retired, will compete for selection from a single players pool.

Subcommittees will select both a coach and contributor candidate each year. The contributor category will now consider actions as a player or coach, along with contributions away from the field.

"Returning to an in-person meeting with 28 selectors will create robust, thoughtful dialogue and debate around the candidates being discussed," Porter said.

"We believe these changes both augment what has worked well while addressing opportunities to further strengthen a tradition that means so much to the game and everyone who loves it."

(D.Sanchez--TAG)