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NFL Diversity Rule Fails: No Black Coaches Hired in 2026
2 Feb
Summary
- Ten NFL head coach positions were available in 2026.
- Robert Saleh was the only minority hire among 10 vacancies.
- NFL enters 2026 season with only three Black head coaches.
The recent 2026 NFL head coaching hiring cycle has concluded, leaving a significant void in diversity. Out of ten available head coaching positions across various teams including the Cardinals and Raiders, only one minority candidate, Robert Saleh, was hired by the Titans. Notably, no Black head coaches were appointed during this period. This outcome is particularly concerning as it represents the fifth instance since the Rooney Rule's establishment in 2003 that Black coaches were overlooked.
The league is set to begin the 2026 season with a mere three Black head coaches. This statistic stands in stark contrast to the league's player base, where approximately 70% of players are Black. The lack of representation in coaching leadership has already drawn criticism on social media, casting a shadow over the NFL's commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives like the Rooney Rule.
