FBS Black Coaching Numbers Decline, Efforts Grow

**Diversity Setback: Black Head Coaches in FBS Drop to 11 Amid Calls for Action**

**National —** The landscape of college football’s top coaching positions has taken a concerning turn for diversity, with the number of Black head coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) dropping from 14 at the end of the 2022 season to just 11 as of early December 2023. This “step backward,” as described by advocates, highlights persistent challenges in achieving equitable representation in a sport where a significant majority of players are Black.

The decline comes despite ongoing efforts to diversify the coaching pipeline and a high rate of turnover in head coaching roles. Currently, prominent Black head coaches include Deion Sanders at Colorado, Tony Elliott leading Virginia, Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame, and Mike Locksley over at Maryland. These figures represent some of the established leaders who have maintained their positions.

However, the past year has seen significant shifts that contributed to the overall decrease. A notable departure was Mel Tucker, who was fired from Michigan State. Equally impactful, several high-profile openings that emerged during the coaching carousel ultimately did not result in the hiring of Black coaches. For instance, when Willie Fritz moved from Tulane to Houston, the Cougars ultimately hired Fritz, while Kenny Dillingham took the reins at Arizona State. In both these particular openings, the opportunities did not go to Black candidates.

This trend underscores a critical disparity: while more than 50% of college football players are Black, their representation in head coaching roles remains starkly disproportionate. Critics argue that the issue isn’t solely about firings but also a pervasive lack of new opportunities and an inadequate pipeline for Black coaches to ascend to the top positions.

In response, advocacy groups like the Black Coaches Association (BCA) and Connecting People Through Sports (CPTS) are intensifying their efforts to address this imbalance. A key initiative is the Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA), a joint program designed specifically to prepare talented coaches for the rigors and demands of FBS head coaching roles.

The ELA offers comprehensive training that goes beyond on-field strategy. It equips coaches with crucial off-field skills, including handling media inquiries, building relationships with boosters, effectively managing staff, and mastering fundraising — all essential components for leading a successful collegiate program. The academy’s goal is to ensure that when head coaching opportunities arise, a diverse pool of exceptionally prepared candidates is ready to step in.

Ultimately, these organizations are committed to shifting the numbers in a positive direction, advocating for more inclusive hiring practices and creating clearer pathways for Black coaches to reach top leadership positions in college football. As the sport continues to experience significant coaching turnover each season, the focus remains firmly on making diversity a priority in the hiring process.