Why does a successful black man intimidate mainstream media and NFL head coaching decision-makers? Someone who is fresh off of a Super Bowl Championship, and highly regarded as the top offensive coordinator?
Ever notice when someone of African American descent is regarded as a potential head coaching prospect, who has done it the right way and helped coordinate arguably the hottest quarterback in the last 20 years in Patrick Mahomes, dirt is sought in order to tarnish his legacy?
What could be the reasoning for this? You know the answer. His black skin tone.
Recently, a reporter stated that Eric Bieniemy doesn’t call the plays in Kansas City, even though his job as offensive coordinator is to call plays. Patrick Mahomes, on several occasions, has given high praise to this same coordinator for helping him be so successful. In addition, Mahomes has argued for his offensive coordinator to receive attention for a head coaching position because of his success under Andy Reid.
Bringing up a man’s resume in college, nearly a decade ago, as a reason for him not to be considered for a head coaching gig is mind-boggling. Yes, there was an incident in college that led to an altercation, but it was due to his being called a racial slur; not because he was doing cocaine (Dolphins). In this generation, minorities having to fight to get an interview says enough. There have been coaches and GM’s who clearly stood against the culture who got promoted and landed jobs without the background or resume.
The Rooney rule, which was designed to give minorities an opportunity at head coaching vacancies, has not lived up to its intended purpose. There are two current black head coaches in the league – Mike Tomlin and Brian Flores. The disconnect is that the league is 70 percent black, with less than three black general managers. Everyday, minorities face discrimination and challenges from prejudiced media for not fitting their idea of the prototypical head coach or quarterback because of the color of their skin. That’s modern-day racism.
Understand this, a black man in America can and will exceed expectations. A successful black offensive coordinator, fresh off a Super bowl, with 2 losses on the year deserves a head coaching gig.