On ESPN show First Take, Stephen A. Smith spoke about the lack of diversity among head coaches in the National Football League. Smith specifically discussed that the hiring of Mike McDaniel — who identifies as multiracial — doesn’t fix the issue. McDaniel, an offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, has been hired to replace Brian Flores as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
“What I’m saying is the conversation last week, pertaining to the Brian Flores situation, is the scarcity of Black men who have been given opportunities to be head coaches in the National Football League,” Smith said according to Mediaite.
“The Rooney Rule was implemented in 2003,” Smith said. “At the time it was implemented, there were three Black head coaches. It is now 2022, and it’s one.” He noted that in the 100-plus years of the NFL, the New York Giants is one of six teams to have never hired a Black head coach, while owner John Mara is a member of the diversity committee. Smith argued that there are “people associated with the National Football League that are famous for giving lip service.”
Smith also talked about reports that quarterback Josh McCown was being considered for a head-coaching role leading the Houston Texans before Lovie Smith, who is Black got hired. The ESPN host added that McCown never coached in the NFL or at college level.
“If that ain’t an insult to Black coaches everywhere,” Smith said, “what the hell is?”
