On Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the gorilla in the room that is the lack of minority coaches in the league. Goodell acknowledged that the league once again ‘fell short' with minority hirings for head coach this offseason, as noted by ESPN writer Kevin Seifert.

“We believe in diversity,” Goodell said during a news conference. “We believe it has made us stronger. People who have come into the league who are diverse have been very successful and made us better, and we just have to do a better job. … Is there another thing that we can do to make sure that we're attracting the best talent and making our league more inclusive? If I had the answer right now, I would give it to you. I would have implemented it.

 

Goodell voiced his displeasure and frustration with the lack of progression on the issue. The implementation of the Rooney Rule almost 20 years ago was supposed to help move the sport forward. Yet, there are still no Black owners of an NFL team. There are only two Black head coaches.

There were nine head coaching positions open after the regular season ended. Only one was filled by a Black candidate. The Houston Texans hired Lovie Smith as their new head coach. The Miami Dolphins also hired a minority coach, Mike McDaniel. He was previously the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. McDaniel identifies as multi-racial.

As part of the Rooney Rule, the 49ers will now receive two compensatory picks for developing a minority coach who ended up as a head coach.