The Impact of Black Coaches in the Super Bowl?

[Mamba]

Ok, I don't want to come off racist with this and I have to right a paper for my Sociology class as to why it's no different than when the first two white coaches made it, so I'd like some insight. If this gets out of hand, I'll close it and delete the posts, respectfully.

Personally, what the hell is so special about it? Every coach goes into the season facing the same arduous task of having to win enough games to get their team into the playoffs, and then win 2 or 3 playoff games to get their team to the super bowl, no matter if they're White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, or Arabic. Why is this such a big deal? I understand a black coach has never been there, but it's not a huge move for African American history. It doesn't do anything for them economically or politically.

Thoughts?

 

[phunDamentalz]

Okay I'm not the biggest NFL fan, but I'll just say this - the NFL seems to me to be one of the LEAST racist elements of American society.

In other words, the business world, Hollywood, and other sports to me are much more racially segregated.

 

[Voodoo Child]

I think it's just the thought behind it - the idea that we've advanced so far as a nation that our biggest television event of the year showcases two African-Americans.

I don't think that anyone is trying to make this out to be some great historical achievement for African-Americans. It's just an interesting storyline for a week where every little detail of the game will be talked about in length.

 

[M Two One]

It isn't a big deal at all, in my opinion. Though it is good to note anyway, not to make a huge deal out of it. This is the type of thing that makes race out in the open further and further because of media. Some people like myself just see the two men go into the Superbowl as great head coaches in general. Just to view them as good men. Instead they're viewed now as great black coaches.

<div class="quote_poster">Voodoo Child Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think it's just the thought behind it - the idea that we've advanced so far as a nation that our biggest television event of the year showcases two African-Americans.

I don't think that anyone is trying to make this out to be some great historical achievement for African-Americans. It's just an interesting storyline for a week where every little detail of the game will be talked about in length.</div>

Yes, true. However, people in other countries that aren't familiar with the sport will see that type of attention in a different way.

 

[phunDamentalz]

<div class="quote_poster">Voodoo Child Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think it's just the thought behind it - the idea that we've advanced so far as a nation that our biggest television event of the year showcases two African-Americans.

I don't think that anyone is trying to make this out to be some great historical achievement for African-Americans. It's just an interesting storyline for a week where every little detail of the game will be talked about in length.</div>

yeah, I agree with that. The REAL story is the Media these days - and they create storylines out of stuff that may not even exist. In other words, maybe nobody cares about the fact that 2 black coaches are in the Superbowl, but the news director of ESPN or USA Today DECIDES that that would make a good story....

 

[Chutney]

It's not a big deal and I think the main reason it's getting so much attention is because of the lack of any interesting storylines in this Super Bowl. However, it does underscore the difference between the college game and the NFL. Both coaches spent numerous years as assistant coaches in college (I don't think Lovie was ever even a def. coordinator) and, after making the switch to the pros, were able to gain a head coaching position relatively quickly.

 

[Mamba]

At least down here in SoCal, my teacher brought in at least 15 newspaper clippings and it's been on the radio. I figured it wasn't a big deal, I just don't like how the media is playing it bigger than it really is...however, like you said Chutney, there aren't that many interesting headlines. Rather a boring Super Bowl.

 

[M Two One]

<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">At least down here in SoCal, my teacher brought in at least 15 newspaper clippings and it's been on the radio. I figured it wasn't a big deal, I just don't like how the media is playing it bigger than it really is...however, like you said Chutney, there aren't that many interesting headlines. Rather a boring Super Bowl.</div>

That's how it is with the media and particularly Superbowl news. When something is on subject at that event it sprouts everywhere across the US quickly.

 

[phunDamentalz]

don't forget last year the BIIIIG story was how The Bus is from Detroit and he was the hometown hero....

Need I say anymore? that was a pretty weak storyline.

 

[huevonkiller]

Well I suppose when Tony Dungy had the number one ranked defense with the Vikings back in the 90's, but got no offers for head coaching positions, that made some people come to the conclusion that Gms/owners are racially motivated (just one example). I do think race played some part in that, but ESPN is just bored during Media week so they've sensationalized the story.

 

[Shapecity]

It's important for other African American coaches coming up through the ranks. Especially in College football, I forget the actual number, but only a small percentage of head coaches are African American.

You an argue it's being blown out of proportion, most stories are during the Super Bowl, but I wouldn't overlook the historic impact it will have over the next decade. Their success should trickle down to the collegiate level because it's going to inspire more African Americans to pursue head coaching jobs and build up the talent pool from which teams can select from.