Is it race or opportunity? Why is it that the sports world places so much emphasis on the race of a head coach? Is it not the title of coach that matters the most? Can he coach or not is the question. A coach comes in and interviews for the position and gets hired because he meets the need of the organization. Not because we have to hire an African American, Hispanic, Italian, Russian, Cuban and so forth coach.

Last month the first African American coach to ever win a Super Bowl (Tony Dungy) retired. What makes this achievement so significant? Is it the point that he was the first to do it or was it a fact that a barrier was broken? A coach wins a Super Bowl every year regardless of race. Now there is two in coach Mike Tomlin, so does that change anything? 

It’s fair to say an arguing point could be that the minority coaches are not given the opportunity to even interview for the coaching jobs. All NCAA Division I-A football programs must now interview at least one racial minority candidate when a head coaching position is open. The new policy was modeled after the "Rooney Rule" in the NFL, designed to help assure fairness and equal opportunity in the recruitment of head coaches. But unlike the NFL there is no penalty for noncompliance.

When interviewed is it fair to say that the institution didn’t hire the individual based on race or capabilities?

Kut’s Take:  No matter how much we would like to say that race doesn’t matter, it does. Lots of jobs are given under the “Buddy System”, when it’s about who you know and keeping it in the family. Nevertheless, in this world where racism is still alive. It’s inevitable that the question will be raised every time a coach is hired. We hope that as we grow as people / institutions that everyone gets a fair shake and the best individual will be hired for the job.

Until next time, remember. It’s not my report, it’s Washington's Report.

This is an open page: Tell me how you feel about this issue? What’s your take on whether it’s race or opportunity? Let me hear your take or story. Holla at me. kutwashington@yahoo.com

2 Peter 3:8 -  “But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.”

The black coaches are not even getting looked at. Not even getting interview. They may list they top 5 coaches and the black coach may have a good record. Look at Auburn situation. Think about Eddie Robinson all those years at Grambling. No division 1 team wanted to look at him? Come on now, every coach wants to at least have the challenge of going up another level. I feel 95% of most coaches want that shot. Tyrone Willingham Notre Dame team went to the big bowl game against LSU. Most programs don’t give you enough time to prove yourself. That’s just my take.

Signed -Marcus Leonard-

Very good article....but the truth is race does matter, if it didn't, an African American Coach would have probably won a super bowl by now.  Apparently they are capable; they were just never put in those positions to show their capabilities.  We are viewed as athletes or foot soldiers if you will, never as ones that are intelligent enough to actually give orders, or come up with the plays.

Just my two cents...

Signed -Tip-

     That was an awesome article, but I wanted to add that yes there is a penalty for the Rooney rule, but in order to get away with it anyway all they do is interview them and then say he was not what they were looking for, what exactly that mean I don’t know. I have even heard rumors that if you are a Minority and you are married to a White Woman that it counts against you.

Signed -Fredo-

Kut
Well deseved words that address a societal problem.  As a coach, I hope one day race is not the issue.  But as a coach, I will continue to forge ahead knowing where we came from and where we need to be.  One day the "playing field" or should I say the "coaching field" will be level.

Signed -The Coach-