NFL poised to do the right thing...but is it enough?
Seven years ago, the NFL finally took a significant step to begin correcting the lack of cultural diversity in the front office. The league has long been played by a majority of Black men but the ownership, commissioner, individual team presidents and GM's remains almost lily-White. The Rooney Rule was implemented to begin to address the continued lack of diversity at the head coaching level.
The Rooney Rule mandates that at least 1 minority be interviewed for every head coaching vacancy. This rule has been credited with the increase in Black head coaches over the last few years. Though White coaches still are awarded a disproportionate number of head coaching positions, the number of Black head coaches has certainly increased.
Now after seven years and 2 of the last 3 Superbowl winning coaches being Black (Mike Tomlin and Tony Dungy), the NFL seems to be poised to take the next step. The Rooney Rule may soon be extended to include vacant General Manager (GM) positions.
Is this a big deal?... potentially very. In the entire history of the NFL, there has only been a few Black GM's. GM's turn over far less frequently than head coaches, so it will take longer for the full effect of the Rooney Rule to be realized.
Currently in the NFL, 5 of 32 head coaches are Black (down from a high of 7) and there are 5 Black GM's. That equates to a mere 10 of 64 positions or a pitiful 16%.
fyi- Black players make up 70% of the NFL.
The Rooney Rule better role up its' sleeves because it has some serious work to do.
The Rooney Rule mandates that at least 1 minority be interviewed for every head coaching vacancy. This rule has been credited with the increase in Black head coaches over the last few years. Though White coaches still are awarded a disproportionate number of head coaching positions, the number of Black head coaches has certainly increased.
Now after seven years and 2 of the last 3 Superbowl winning coaches being Black (Mike Tomlin and Tony Dungy), the NFL seems to be poised to take the next step. The Rooney Rule may soon be extended to include vacant General Manager (GM) positions.
Is this a big deal?... potentially very. In the entire history of the NFL, there has only been a few Black GM's. GM's turn over far less frequently than head coaches, so it will take longer for the full effect of the Rooney Rule to be realized.
Currently in the NFL, 5 of 32 head coaches are Black (down from a high of 7) and there are 5 Black GM's. That equates to a mere 10 of 64 positions or a pitiful 16%.
fyi- Black players make up 70% of the NFL.
The Rooney Rule better role up its' sleeves because it has some serious work to do.
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