For this blog, I decided to choose the article “Fall football — or the fall of football?” by Lori Lizarraga, Gene Demby, Courtney Stein, and a few others. The topic of the Code Switch article is the racial disparity in coaching positions within the NFL and the effectiveness of the “Rooney Rule” in addressing this issue. The article discusses how there aren’t many Black NFL head coaches given the fact that most players are black or brown. It mentions Johnnie Cochran’s role in pressuring the NFL to adopt the “Rooney Rule” in 2003. The viewpoints are disapproving of the persisting racial gap, doubtful of the “Rooney Rule,” and considering whether hiring more Black coaches would result in significant improvement.

I agree and I believe additional changes are required in the NFL to solve the disparity in race in coaching jobs. When attempts were made to increase gender diversity on corporate boards, it became obvious that enforcing guidelines alone wasn’t enough to bring real changes. In order to ensure equal chances for Black coaches and establish a more welcoming environment inside the league, the need for the NFL to launch deeper cultural change, mentorship programs, and a genuine dedication to getting rid of biases is proven.