‘Awkward’ Roger Goodell Breaks Silence on Zero Black Head Coaches Getting Hired This Coaching Cycle Despite Having 10 Openings

Among the 32 NFL teams, only two teams have Black head coaches, which is fewer than 2025.

‘Awkward’ Roger Goodell Breaks Silence on Zero Black Head Coaches Getting Hired This Coaching Cycle Despite Having 10 Openings

Reporter asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about head coaching hires (Image via IMAGO/X)

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The media only gets a few opportunities to directly interact with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell throughout the year. One such occasion is the week leading up to the Super Bowl, which kicked off on Monday in Santa Clara, California.

In the Q&A session, a reporter asked Goodell for his take on the latest head coach hiring cycle. Reports indicate that no NFL team hired a Black head coach, a few lost their jobs, and there was only one minority hire.

Goodell stated the league needs to “continue to make progress.” From his point of view, the league has “become a more diverse league across every platform.” However, the job’s not yet complete.

We have to recognize that we had 10 openings this year. The turnover of coaches and general managers in football is pretty extraordinary in our industry, so we have to take that into account.

Roger Goodell said during the press conference ahead of Super Bowl LX

If the Raiders hire Klint Kubiak as their next head coach, the 2026 coaching cycle will officially wrap up. Aside from the Titans hiring Robert Saleh, a minority hire, only two HCs come from African American backgrounds: Aaron Glenn (the Jets) and Todd Bowles (the Buccaneers).

Retired Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark offered a straightforward idea for how the league could bring in more coaches of color. He refused to compromise on hiring quality coaches, but at the same time, he wants teams to build pipelines to support Black coaches.

Hiring often stems from relationships & familiarity. It’s clouded by nepotism and favoritism. There needs to be a pipeline, a system, and a lower-level entry program that allows coaches to grow. Tony Dungy & Sean McVay understand this. We need more like them. Until then, it’ll be the same ole, same ole, & many seem to be ok with that.

Ryan Clark wrote on X

Roger Goodell shares his honest opinion on Steve Tisch’s appearance in the Epstein Files

Last week, a list of several high-profile names linked to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was released. Among them is filmmaker and Giants co-owner Steve Tisch. Despite Tisch’s denial of ever having direct contact with Epstein, social media continues to demand action against him.

'Awkward' Roger Goodell Breaks Silence on Zero Black Head Coaches Getting Hired This Coaching Cycle Despite Having 10 Openings
Roger Goodell (Image via IMAGO)

Goodell said that the league will look into it in detail.

Absolutely, we will look at all the facts. We’ll look at the context of those and try to understand that. We’ll look at how that falls under the [league’s personal conduct] policy. We’ll take one step at a time. Let’s get the facts first.

Goodell said

According to the documents released by the US Justice Department, Epstein tried to hook Tisch up with several women, including one of his assistants. Tisch accepted that he exchanged emails with Epstein but denied ever setting foot on the infamous Epstein Island.

Goodell further announced that the league has plans to host more international games in 2026. The inaugural NFL game in France is set to be held in Paris, with the New Orleans Saints serving as the home team.

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