Super Bowl LVII was a thriller involving all of the drama and storylines we’ve come to like in regards to the NFL. We noticed a number of huge performs, quarterback heroics, and even received a controversial penalty that some really feel ought to’ve been missed, though it was clearly a penalty. Something else occurred within the weeks main as much as the sport that feels prefer it must be an even bigger story than it was. Philadelphia introduced in long-time defensive coordinator and former Denver Broncos head coach, Vic Fangio, to assist the protection put together for his or her date with Patrick Mahomes.
At the time, there wasn’t a lot considered the scenario, however trying again, there’s one thing odd about this setup that we might start to see extra of if Roger Goodell’s workplace lets it proceed. We’ve seen groups usher in former coaches as consultants many occasions however not in fairly the identical manner as Fangio with the Eagles. The proven fact that Fangio had already accepted the DC place in Miami was one other pink flag. He was allowed to attend two weeks till the Super Bowl was over earlier than formally signing with the Dolphins.
You could also be questioning why or how this might change into a problem. There’s this little factor referred to as the “Rooney Rule” that many NFL franchises like to ignore within the hiring course of for coaches. The Eagles reportedly expressed curiosity in Fangio since they knew then-DC Jonathan Gannon would doubtless be up for a head teaching gig. But Fangio wasn’t ready to see what occurred and agreed to affix Miami on the finish of January.
So, the plan to usher in Denver’s former head man was in place, and Philly would’ve had two weeks to primarily “interview” Fangio earlier than bringing him on because the official chief of the protection. This maneuvering would have allowed the Eagles to get across the rule that they have to interview a minority candidate. The positions of head coach, common supervisor, OC, DC, and now QB coach are all beneath the umbrella of the Rooney Rule. It was amended in May of 2022 to incorporate potential QB coaches. There’s a purpose why this wasn’t broadly reported earlier than the Super Bowl. It’s most likely as a result of Philly nor the NFL needed this out within the open main as much as the large sport.
Don’t be shocked when this turns into the brand new stylish manner for organizations to rent new coaches with out adhering to league “rules.” But the Rooney Rule was at all times going to be powerful to implement. As lengthy because the commissioner of the league is an worker of the lads (NFL homeowners) he’s “supposed” watch over, they’ll proceed to rent whom they need, when they need, and to placed on a present for the league in interviewing minority candidates figuring out they’ve received no actual likelihood at touchdown the job.
It’s simply one other ploy by NFL homeowners to bypass minority coaches for head teaching jobs. Steve Wilkes did an amazing job in Carolina after they relieved Matt Rhule of his duties and was handed up following the season in favor of Frank Reich. After 5 years as OC in Kansas City, two Super Bowl wins, and three appearances, Eric Bieniemy needed to accept making a lateral transfer over to Washington, taking up as their new OC. Surely, he received a pay enhance, however all these white coordinators get head teaching jobs after one or two years of barely doing something. It’s simply blatant at this level that homeowners are nearly refusing to rent black/minority head coaches.
Unless you’re the Houston Texans, who’re on their third black coach in as a few years after hiring former San Francisco DC DeMeco Ryans. Hopefully, he’ll get an actual likelihood to construct this roster, however that is the Texans. The NFL nonetheless has a protracted solution to go together with bringing in additional numerous head coaches and front-office personnel. Yes, you need the very best individual for the job, however when a man like Nick Siriani will get a head teaching job and had by no means referred to as performs as an OC, however that’s one of many the explanation why Bieniemy can’t get employed, then it’s clear that somebody (a number of folks) doesn’t need him to make the rank of head coach. The similar goes for Wilkes, who’s gotten a uncooked deal twice when white coaches in the identical place would’ve been given ample alternative.
Sure, Sirianni has confirmed to be a great coach, however he received the chance to show doubters flawed. These different males, particularly black coaches, aren’t even getting an opportunity to show whether or not they can get the job carried out.