Mike Tomlin on lack of minority NFL head coaches: 'Disappointing hiring cycle'

By Matthew Paras The Washington Times

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called the NFL’s most recent hiring cycle “disappointing” after it left the league with only three African American head coaches.

This past season, five African Americans were among the eight head coaches fired.Of the teams to make a coaching change, only the Miami Dolphins hired an African American tasking former Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores for thejob.

Tomlin is one of three African American head coaches in the NFL, alongside Flores and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Anthony Lynn.

Speaking to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Tomlin discussed the effectiveness of the “Rooney Rule,” a rule enacted in 2003 that requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for a vacant head coaching position.

Per the Post-Gazette, only two of the last 15 head coaches hired were black (Lynn, Flores).

“I think the numbers speak for themselves in that regard, Tomlin said. It was a disappointing hiring cycle for someone who watches it like I do, knowing some of the deserving men I do who I thought should have gotten an opportunity and didnt.

“But well continue to work and fight for equality and opportunity.

Mike Tomlin on lack of minority NFL head coaches: ‘Disappointing hiring cycle’