Black Assistants Reportedly Growing Fed up With NFL as Head Coaching Snubs Continue
By Mark Powell

The odds of becoming a head coach in the NFL are small. The potential of doing so as an African-American leader of men is even more minuscule. This point's been proven time and time again, as the numbers continue to back up the very correct assertion that black coaches aren't afforded the same chance to reach the pinnacle of their profession as whites, and are continually passed over in favor of...well, hunches.
and this is the trick bag for black coaches, out chea getting all this "experience" just for someone to "see something" in a dude who hasn't done nearly as much. https://t.co/9LC8x6Z57Z
— bomani (@bomani_jones) January 7, 2020
The most recent victim is Eric Bieniemy, who has yet to receive a legitimate head coaching opportunity despite leading Patrick Mahomes and the explosive Chiefs' offense. Bieniemy was set to interview with the New York Giants this week, but they chose Patriots special teams coordinator Joe Judge, who was also in play for the Mississippi State opening.
And, per sources, the vitriol is growing among the ranks.
After Eric Bieniemy snub, Joe Judge hire, coaching agent I spoke with projects a small exodus of black assistants from NFL to college ranks. "They're starting to feel like there's no future for them in the NFL."
— Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) January 7, 2020
We wish the collegiate level was a better option, but the numbers don't add up there, either.
I wish we could say college is more progressive, but so far 2 black coaches hired for 17 FBS openings. https://t.co/h6qRfz0vzI
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) January 7, 2020
The NFL is comprised of mostly African-American athletes, paid to entertain millions. However, the head coaching barrier is rarely broken, despite the efforts of the Rooney Rule. Often, black coaches are brought in to check a box, rather than as legitimate candidates.
Truth be told, there's never been a black team owner or president, and there's only been one African-American general manager. While we'd like to think that white employers would voluntarily hire the most qualified candidate, regardless of race, that's not how society works.
The NFL has NEVER had a black owner, NEVER had a black club president and currently has only ONE black general manager and THREE black coaches. This is why some blacks who aspire to climb the NFL ladder feel they do not have a legitimate shot at advancement.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) January 7, 2020
There's enough of a sample size here to identify a pattern, and African-African coaches are rightfully tired of waiting twice as long (if not more) for an opportunity that may never come.