Overview
- Only one of 10 head-coach vacancies went to a minority candidate, with Robert Saleh hired by the Titans, and no Black head coaches were hired this cycle.
- Roger Goodell said during Super Bowl week that the league is “reviewing everything” to improve diversity, including training, education and club hiring processes.
- A 2021 expansion of the Rooney Rule requires in-person interviews with at least two external minority candidates for coach and GM roles, yet results slipped from 2024’s gains.
- League demographics remain stark: there are three African American head coaches and five head coaches of color overall.
- Data underscore pipeline concerns, with only two Black offensive coordinators across the NFL and all 18 coordinators hired since 2024 under age 40 being white; Ryan Clark argues hiring is driven by nepotism and long-standing staff relationships.