There’s been plenty of talk lately in the NFL about the lack of Black head coaches. While over half the players in the league are Black, head coaches rarely reflect that same diversity. For many Black players, this is a frustrating reality they can’t ignore. One player compared it to learning how to play online blackjack — you can know the game inside and out, but without the right hand, success feels more like luck than skill. For these athletes, the odds feel stacked against Black coaches getting a fair shot.
Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin said he’s never had a Black head coach — not in high school, college, or the NFL. Like many others, he believes leadership should represent the players. BlackjackDoc, much like a good coach, teaches you how to strategize and take control of your moves rather than leaving outcomes up to chance. That’s the kind of leadership McLaurin and others are hoping to see more of in the league.
Players Demand Real Solutions
From a recent Associated Press survey of over 65 Black players on 25 different teams, roughly 36% revealed they feel discouraged by the scarcity of Black coaches. Terry McLaurin, the Washington Commanders wide receiver, can’t recall a single Black head coach he’s had from high school to now, and that’s downright surprising. Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. summed it up: “Until you see more coaches, we’re all going to look at it the same way: There aren’t enough Black coaches.”
Cowboys special-teams player C.J. Goodwin took it a step further and called the hiring process a “glass ceiling” situation for Black coaches. He’s convinced they’re just as qualified and capable of success but simply aren’t given enough opportunities or time to prove it.
Troubling Representation Stats
Despite 53.5% of the league’s players identifying as Black in 2023, only about 22% of NFL head coaches were Black at the season’s start, which just doesn’t add up for many fans. Experts warn that even this number could further slip to 19% if the current trends continue.
Eleven teams — including the Bills, Cowboys, Giants, Jaguars and others — still haven’t had a Black head coach in a full-time role. Only 18% of new hires at the head coach level from the year 2000 to 2024 were Black, and 42% of those let go after just one season also came from that group.
Feeling The Pressure
Some Black coaches sense they gotta prove themselves twice as fast, knowing a single losing season might put ‘em on the hot seat. Ravens lineman Ronnie Stanley points out how these coaches might feel constant stress to exceed expectations, especially when the margin for error seems smaller. That dynamic can create a tough environment where any slip-up feeds into damaging stereotypes, leaving coaches less room for recovery.
Comparisons With Other Leagues
The NFL’s pace of progress looks sluggish compared to the NBA, where around 70% of the players are Black, and 37% of the head coaches share that background. Major League Soccer has stepped up too, once boasting nine nonwhite head coaches out of 26 total teams, which was a record at the time.
Coaching Moves
Teams shuffle coaches for all kinds of reasons, hoping to spark winning streaks and bring in fresh energy. But often, these changes aim to align better with a roster’s talents and unique personalities. Here’s a rundown of why front offices make moves and how it can boost on-field success, especially when the coach’s background resonates with the players.
- Scheme Overhaul
A new coach might implement tactics that play to the strengths of current players, improving results.
- Locker Room Chemistry
Leadership style matters, and a coach who clicks with the team can drive better communication.
- Fresh Mindsets
Changing the culture can revitalize performance, giving players a renewed sense of urgency and pride.
- Better Player Development
Coaches with strong mentoring skills can transform raw talent into high-level performers through targeted guidance.
While these factors motivate teams to make a switch, many players worry that Black coaches aren’t afforded the same patience to see these changes bear fruit, which can sabotage their long-term success.
Notable Coaches
Though their numbers are few, Black head coaches have left a lasting mark on the NFL. Here are some who’ve helped reshape how we see leadership in football:
| Coach Name | Team(s) Coached | Tenure Range |
| Tony Dungy | Buccaneers, Colts | 1996–2008 |
| Mike Tomlin | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2007–Present |
| Lovie Smith | Bears, Buccaneers, Texans | 2004–2022 |
| Brian Flores | Miami Dolphins | 2019–2021 |
Ongoing Calls For Equity
Players keep pushing for better hiring processes; the recent surge in Black quarterbacks, including Super Bowl contenders Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, highlights how skill transcends skin color, even if the head-coaching sphere hasn’t caught up. As fans and insiders grow more vocal, owners and executives might finally feel the heat to cast a wider net when picking head coaches, especially if they want to keep the locker room united.
Players want to see more opportunities open up for Black coaches—period. The league’s at its best when leadership reflects the diversity on the field. It’s not about charity or tokenism; it’s about unlocking untapped potential.
