As the NFL coaching carousel turns, a positive trend is forming for the sport: Minority coaching hires are up and trending toward the most in the history of the league.
With the hires of Vance Joseph in Denver and Anthony Lynn in Los Angeles, the NFL is now up to eight head coaches from minority descent: Joseph (Broncos), Lynn (Chargers), Todd Bowles (Jets), Mike Tomlin (Steelers), Jim Caldwell (Lions), Ron Rivera (Panthers), Marvin Lewis (Bengals), Hue Jackson (Browns).
Last year, ESPN questioned whether the Rooney Rule (established in 2003 to require each team to interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching and senior football operation jobs) was still working and if the talent pool of coordinators available would lead to substantial hires in the near future.