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The NFL enacted the Rooney Rule, a principle mandating franchises to interview no fewer than one 'diverse' option for vacant head coaching positions in 2003. There were just three African-American head coaches in the NFL when the rule was put into place out of 32 positions.
Two decades later, still only three African-Americans have that position: Mike Tomlin, Todd Bowles, and DeMeco Ryans.
Regarding the Rooney Rule, the NFL must further demonstrate that it is more than just a ceremonial rule. Meanwhile, let's look at the three black head coaches that are presently active in the NFL.
#1. DeMeco Ryans
DeMeco Ryans, a retired NFL great, is the most recent African American man to take up the post of head coach in the NFL. The Houston Texans made the history-breaking hire of Ryans on a six-year contract in late January, making the Texans the first NFL team to employ three black coaches in a row.
Ryans oversaw the San Francisco 49ers' top-notch defense as their defensive coordinator the previous season. Ryans is still the Texans' all-time leading player in tackles and a two-time Pro Bowler. Perhaps DeMeco's appointment will spur more NFL teams to hire more black coaches.
#2. Todd Bowles
Bruce Arians suddenly retired in March of last year, and Todd Bowles was his replacement. After a lacklustre 2022 campaign, Bowles is expected to lead the Buccaneers for a second season in 2023.
Bowles was the New York Jets' head coach in the past. Moreover, he has worked as the defensive coach for the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Philadelphia Eagles. Bowles was also the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 59-year-old played as a safety in the league for eight years, mostly with the Washington Redskins. He appeared in Super Bowl XXII.
Only the Buccaneers have appointed four black head coaches, with Lovie Smith, Tony Dungy, and Raheem Morris coming before Bowles.
#3. Mike Tomlin
Mike Tomlin descended from Tony Dungy's training dynasty. In 2001, he began working with the legendary coach while he was the head coach of the Bucs. Tomlin was the defensive backs coach, and he adopted the Tampa 2 style that Dungy had introduced.
After spending half-a-decade with the Buccaneers, Tomlin accepted a position as the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coach. A year later, he received an offer to become the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Rooney Rule was suggested by Pittsburgh owner Dan Rooney, whose team hired Tomlin.
The long-time head coach of the Steelers, who is currently the second-longest-tenured head coach, has never led the Steelers to finish with a losing record. This is during his 16 years in operation, which is a record in the NFL for head coaches.
Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL generally hold him in high regard. Tomlin became the youngest head coach to triumph in the Super Bowl after leading the Steelers to the 2008 NFL championship.
He is regarded as among the best African American NFL coaches ever and has led the Steelers to the postseason 10 times in his 16 seasons.
