NFL Faces Criticism for Lack of Black Head Coaches as Players Express Disappointment
Despite significant progress in diversity on the field, the NFL continues to face criticism for its lack of Black head coaches. According to Howard Fendrich of the Associated Press, only 11 of the 32 NFL head coaches are Black, a figure that many players are finding increasingly disappointing.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin shared his own experience, noting that he has never played under a Black head coach at any level, including high school, college, or the NFL—only having worked with Black coordinators and position coaches.
The Associated Press surveyed over 65 Black players from 25 NFL teams, and the results were telling: more than a third—approximately 36%—expressed frustration or disappointment with the lack of Black head coaches in the league.
Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. added, “Until you see more coaches, we’re all going to look at it the same way: There aren’t enough Black coaches.”
As the NFL prepares for Super Bowl Sunday, a symbolic moment occurred: both starting quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, are Black. However, neither team is led by a Black head coach, highlighting the ongoing issue of representation at the highest levels of coaching in the league.
