The NFL Playoffs are in full swing, with teams battling it out for a chance to make it to the Super Bowl. While there are many storylines surrounding the playoffs, there is one that the NFL seems to be avoiding, and it might be for legal reasons. The league has yet to highlight the fact that all four of its Black head coaches have made it to the postseason.
Brian Flores, the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, has a lawsuit pending against the league. It’s possible that the NFL’s attorneys have advised against showcasing all of the Black head coaches in the playoffs while Flores’ lawsuit is still ongoing. This is a disappointing situation, as it’s important to celebrate the achievements of these coaches and the impact they have had on their teams.
DeMeco Ryans, Mike Tomlin, Todd Bowles, and Mike McDaniel make up the entire group of Black head coaches in the NFL playoffs. While they represent only a fraction of the league’s total head coaches, they make up a significant portion of the playoff skippers. It’s a testament to their coaching abilities and the success they have brought to their teams.
Each of these coaches has faced adversity throughout the season but has managed to lead their teams to the playoffs. Mike Tomlin, for example, has continued his streak of above .500 football despite having a quarterback room full of backups. The Pittsburgh Steelers dealt with injuries, disgruntled quarterbacks, and other challenges but still managed to win 10 games.
DeMeco Ryans, in his first year as head coach of the Houston Texans, is a strong candidate for Coach of the Year. Despite losing their star quarterback, the Texans made it to the playoffs and even split games with backup Case Keenum. It’s worth noting that Ryans is technically a defensive coach, showing that it’s possible to be both defensive-minded and capable of overseeing quarterback development.
Mike McDaniel has led the Miami Dolphins to consecutive playoff appearances, something the organization hasn’t achieved since 2001. Despite a late-season skid and facing the defending Super Bowl champions in the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dolphins possess a strong rushing attack and shouldn’t be underestimated.
Todd Bowles replaced Tom Brady with Baker Mayfield as the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and still managed to win the division and one more game than last year. Bowles’ coaching prowess is evident in the team’s performance, and it’s impressive considering the challenges they faced.
There are currently eight head coach vacancies in the NFL, with the potential for more if certain teams underperform in the playoffs. This means that nearly a third of the league could be searching for a head coach. It’s crucial that teams consider the success and achievements of coaches like Ryans, Tomlin, Bowles, and McDaniel when making their hiring decisions.
The lack of diversity among head coaches in the NFL is a long-standing issue, and it’s disheartening to see the coaching carousel continue with the same faces. It’s time for the league and its owners to recognize the talent and potential in Black head coaches and give them the opportunities they deserve.
Until then, the options for action are limited. One option is for coaches like Flores to sue the NFL, highlighting the lack of diversity and potential discrimination. Another option is to continue to criticize the league and its owners for perpetuating a coaching carousel of certified losers.
In conclusion, the NFL’s failure to highlight the success of its Black head coaches in the playoffs is disappointing. These coaches have overcome adversity and led their teams to the postseason, yet their achievements seem to go unnoticed. It’s time for the league to address its lack of diversity and give these coaches the recognition they deserve.
