Patriots Coach Blasts the NFL’s Hiring Process Over Alleged Snubs of Black Candidates

The NFL’s hiring practices are once again under intense scrutiny. Last season, 10 head coaching positions opened up in the league. Not one of them was filled by a Black candidate. New England Patriots passing game coordinator and tight ends coach, Thomas Brown, spoke out on the issue.

“It’s a very complex conversation, something that has been a consistent dialogue almost every single year. To say it’s frustrating in some ways is probably an understatement,” Brown told ESPN. 

“I’ve constantly heard this mantra the last six years in the NFL that people hire the most qualified candidates, which I hope is true and accurate,” the 40-year-old passing game coordinator continued. “But you’re also seeing almost every time that is never a Black coach. Which is frustrating. I’ve also heard the phrase ‘there’s not many candidates in the pipeline to choose from.’ I do take issue with that, because I’ve been around some high-level great communicators, great connectors of people, at every stop I’ve been.”

Art Shell became the first Black head coach in NFL history when the Los Angeles Raiders hired him in 1989. The league has existed since 1920, yet it took 69 years for Shell to get there. More alarmingly, only 33 African American head coaches have been hired since then, the Washington Post noted. According to interviews conducted by the publication, the standing idea in the league is that Black coaches “have resigned themselves to the notion that they will never get an opportunity to be a head coach.”

Only two African American head coaches — Tony Dungy and Mike Tomlin — have won the Super Bowl.

HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 04: Head coach Demeco Ryans of the Houston Texans watches play during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts on January 4, 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 04 Colts at Texans EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250104143

The Rooney Rule has been in place to help prevent this. Established in 2003 after the controversial firings of Tony Dungy and Dennis Green, it mandates that NFL teams consider at least one minority candidate in head coach hirings. However, the lack of Black head coaches makes the rule seem like a window dressing.

“The Rooney Rule’s a great rule,” Washington Commanders’ McLaurin told ESPN. “But … from what I’ve heard, some teams kind of use that to check a box, which is unfortunate, instead of using the rule the way it was intended.”

The discussion remains relevant because Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is suing pretty much the entire league for racial bias in head coach hirings. Judge Valerie Caproni allowed Flores to go pursue the matter, claiming that the experiences detailed in the lawsuit were “incredibly troubling.” This could become a turning point in the league’s history, because the fight against racism has never been fought on such a large scale.

The lawsuit initially named only three teams. In 2026, that total has bumped up to 31. Flores was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021.

There are only three black head coaches in the NFL 

Houston Texans hired DeMeco Ryans as their sixth head coach in history in 2023. He’s currently entering his fourth season with the Texans with a coaching record of 35-22. Last year, the Texans went 12-5. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles is the second black head coach currently active in the NFL. He has won three straight division titles. But last year, he recorded seven losses in nine games. Now, as he enters his fifth year, he has a lot to prove. He currently has the longest record as a Black head coach.

Lastly, it’s the New York Jets ’ Aaron Glenn, who debuted as a head coach only last year.

It’s worth noting that Brown didn’t accuse any specific organization of wrongdoing, nor did he suggest there was a simple fix to the issue. But his comments highlight a frustration shared by many around the league. If NFL teams truly prioritize qualifications above all else, why do the hiring outcomes continue to look so similar year after year? Until that question is answered to the satisfaction of coaches and executives alike, the debate surrounding diversity in NFL leadership appears far from settled.  

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