Examining Diversity Gaps in NFL Coaching Carousel
The NFL has recently faced ongoing scrutiny over the diversity of its coaching staff. As of 2024, the league had a record number of nine minority head coaches. These included notable names such as Mike Tomlin, Todd Bowles, DeMeco Ryans, Raheem Morris, Jerod Mayo, Antonio Pierce, Dave Canales (Hispanic), Robert Saleh (Lebanese), and Mike McDaniel (multiracial). However, this number declined to seven in 2025 and further plummeted to just five in the current hiring cycle.
Decline in Minority Head Coaches
The past few years have shown a significant decrease in the representation of Black head coaches. The total dropped from seven to five, and now only three Black coaches remain: Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets, and DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans. Over the last two hiring cycles, only one of the 17 coaching hires was Black, with this year’s hiring cycle yielding no Black hires among ten openings.
Impact of the Accelerator Program Cancellation
The decline in diversity coincided with the NFL’s decision to discontinue the Accelerator Program, designed for networking and development among minority coaches and front-office personnel. This move has been criticized as detrimental to the league’s diversity efforts.
Current Coaching Landscape
As of now, the only minority head coaches with offensive backgrounds are Dave Canales and Mike McDaniel. The remaining Black coaches, including Ryans, Bowles, and Glenn, predominantly come from defensive backgrounds. There are currently only two Black offensive coordinators: Eric Bieniemy and Mike McDaniel, with McDaniel serving as the sole Black play-caller.
The Coaching Carousel and Future Prospects
The ongoing coaching carousel raises questions about the future of diversity in NFL coaching positions. The Arizona Cardinals recently hired Mike LaFleur as their offensive coordinator, a position that often leads to head coach opportunities. LaFleur’s predecessor, Sean McVay, has a successful record of promoting former assistants to head coaching roles.
Another instance involves Gus Bradley, who opted to join the Tennessee Titans to work with Robert Saleh, rather than accepting an offer from the Cardinals. Both coaches have strong professional ties dating back to their time together in Seattle.
Specific Team Updates
- Cleveland Browns: The Browns are attempting to retain Jim Schwartz under new head coach Todd Monken, despite Schwartz expressing a desire to leave after not being selected for the head coach position.
- Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders are moving towards hiring Klint Kubiak, leveraging the connection between General Manager John Spytek and Kubiak’s father, Gary.
- Denver Broncos: The Broncos have promoted Davis Webb to offensive coordinator, solidifying his place on the coaching staff while letting go of Joe Lombardi.
Challenges Ahead
The diminishing representation of minority coaches raises critical questions about the NFL’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the next hiring cycle approaches, this issue will undoubtedly remain a central topic of discussion. The league must proactively address these gaps to foster a more inclusive coaching environment.
