Communication Arts: Faculty Publications

"The Rooney Ruse": Systemic Racism and Hiring NFL Head Coaches

Document Type

Contribution to Book

Publication Date

2-10-2023

Publication Title

Social Issues in Sport Communication

DOI

10.4324/9781003316763-4

ISBN

9781032288963

Abstract

A lack of diversity within the NFL head coaching ranks is less an issue of wins and losses than of systemic racism. Historically, to address the dearth of head coaches of color, the NFL adopted “The Rooney Rule,” an initial directive to interview persons of color for NFL head coaching jobs. Paradoxically, the long-term result was the hiring of fewer coaches of color. Applying racialized organizations theory, this chapter examines how the NFL developed a racialized system of hiring that often favors less experienced White candidates over more seasoned and successful candidates of color.

Comments

Georgia Southern University faculty member, Chris B. Geyerman co-authored, "The Rooney Ruse": Systemic Racism and Hiring NFL Head Coaches."

Copyright

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