Black NFL Players Call for Continued Progress in Head Coaching Diversity
As the NFL sees a growing number of Black head coaches, players are encouraged by the progress but remain hopeful for further advancements in diversity on the sidelines. The Associated Press conducted a survey of over 65 Black NFL players, and while there is optimism, the consensus is clear: more work is needed to create greater opportunities for Black coaches.
The survey asked players three questions about the state of Black head coaches in the league, with mixed responses. While 37 players expressed no discouragement over the current number of Black head coaches, 23 players did, indicating room for improvement.
A significant number of respondents, 54 players, expressed encouragement by the hiring of three Black head coaches during the previous offseason. Despite this progress, 25 players indicated an interest in pursuing coaching careers, while 40 did not.
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack believes that former Black players should have an easier path to coaching positions due to their unique understanding of the game. “Those positions should be easier to get for us,” Mack said. “We’ve been around it. As Black professional athletes, we have a certain understanding of the game that can be translated or a lot more relatable in cases.”
However, the lack of more Black coaches can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the predominance of white team owners. New York Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas explained that the ownership dynamic contributes to the challenges. “I believe that there’s always been a stigma and there has always been preconceived notions or microaggressions in the league, especially in a league full of white owners,” Thomas said.
Despite the challenges, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward is optimistic about the future. He believes that as the NFL continues to be dominated by players of color, a larger pool of potential Black coaches will emerge. “The guys that are playing in the NFL are obviously predominantly guys of color and a lot of us love the game and a lot of us want to coach after, so I think when we look up in 20 years, you’ll see a lot of change,” Heyward said.
The conversation continues to highlight the need for sustained efforts to create more opportunities for Black coaches, with players and advocates pushing for a more inclusive and diverse leadership within the NFL.
