With us entering into February its brings us into a our celebration of African-American history. How fitting is it that this Sunday we will see, for the first time, two African-American head coaches compete against each other for the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy. Tony Dungy, of the Indianapolis Colts, and Lovie Smith, of the Chicago Bears, will enter this Sunday's game as the first two black head coaches to coach in the Super Bowl, and one will become the first ever African-American to win one too.
Almost four years ago then Commissioner Paul Tagliabue wanted owners to improve in the hiring of minority coaches, and had put together a committee headed by Pittsburgh Steelers Owner Dan Rooney, then the only two African-American head coaches at the time were Tony Dungy, and Herm Edwards.
The NFL now has a total of 6 African-American head coaches in the league. A number that doesn't seem to be big at all, but with the way things had been in the past it is quite something to be pleased about. So when it comes to the Super Bowl this Sunday, and with us being in the month of February, we need to think back on how far we have come as a society when Tony Dungy, and Lovie Smith stand on the sidelines in Miami as they will change history.
We will look back at this moment years from now, and really see how great of a thing it truly is for the African-American community, and our entire country as a whole.
- Cory Callen
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I find it amazing that it took so long for there to be African American coaches, when African Americans have been so vital to the teams and are a major part of football. Almost every great running back was an African American, and so many great players have been African Americans.
I find it amazing that it took so long for there to be coaching jobs open to them, the only thing that concerns me is the phrase "hiring more minority coaches." I sometimes think that we are too concerned about diversity in this country. Decisions should be made on merit alone, and not on race. That works both ways.
I simply fear that because of their want of minority coaches, that owners may feel pressured to give the job to an African American when there may be a white man who's more qualified. I hope this does not happan, because it would be just as wrong as if they gave the job to a white man, when there is an African American more qualified.
Everyone should be equal.
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