NFL Owners’ Apathy Toward Black Head Coaches Stymies Goodell’s Efforts

Bassyonni

Published: February 2, 2026 11:40 PM ET

The NFL’s ongoing struggle with diversity in coaching hires has come under renewed scrutiny. Despite initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for coaches of color, recent statistics reveal a disheartening trend in the league’s hiring practices.

NFL Owners’ Apathy Toward Black Head Coaches

Commissioner Roger Goodell has implemented several measures over the past five years. These include expanding the Rooney Rule and introducing a mandate for hiring coaches of color. However, these efforts appear to have had minimal impact.

Disappointing Results in the Hiring Cycle

As the 2026 hiring cycle approaches its conclusion, the ratio of coaches of color remains alarmingly low. In the current cycle, nearly 33% of NFL owners sought new head coaches, yet only one position was filled by a coach of color.

7 of the 8 filled jobs went to white coaches.
Former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was hired by the Arizona Cardinals.
The Las Vegas Raiders plan to hire Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

In contrast, Robert Saleh, the only coach of color hired this cycle, became the first Muslim head coach in league history when he was appointed by the New York Jets in 2021.

Continued Lack of Representation

The NFL’s lack of progress in diversity is stark. Currently, there are as many Black head coaches as there were in 2003—only three. These include:

Todd Bowles – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeMeco Ryans – Houston Texans
Mike Tomlin – Pittsburgh Steelers

Recent firings have further exacerbated the situation. Coaches like Raheem Morris and Mike McDaniel were dismissed, highlighting persistent challenges in retaining diverse leadership.

Inadequate General Manager Representation

The NFL also faces a decline in the number of Black general managers. The season began with five Black GMs, but that number has fallen to four due to recent firings.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah – Minnesota Vikings (fired)
Terry Fontenot – Atlanta Falcons (fired)

Lack of Diversity Among Offensive Coaches

Another critical issue is the shortage of Black coaches, particularly at the offensive coordinator level. Currently, there are no Black offensive coordinators within the league.

Despite the Kansas City Chiefs rehiring Eric Bieniemy, he remains the only Black offensive assistant in that capacity. His lack of head coaching opportunities, despite contributing to the team’s Super Bowl victories, raises serious concerns.

Looking Ahead

Goodell stresses the importance of diversity, insisting that the NFL must do more to foster inclusivity. He recognizes that increased representation among coaches of color is vital for the league’s growth and success. “We need to re-evaluate our policies and programs,” he stated.

The upcoming seasons are crucial for the NFL. Ensuring that diversity is not merely a checkbox but rather a foundational aspect of the league’s operations will require commitment from both leaders and team owners.

The NFL is significantly a Black league, yet the disparity in coaching representation remains stark. Without substantial action, the cycle of apathy among owners may continue, leaving little hope for meaningful change.