January 11, 2008
Chronicle of Higher Education
Why Are There More Black Coaches in Basketball Than Football?
Myles Brand, the NCAA’s president, asked that question today during a lively luncheon on diversity in sports. His panelists provided some interesting answers.
Basketball coaches are tighter and more willing to help each other get promoted, suggested Gene Smith, AD at Ohio State U. It’s also easier to succeed in Division I basketball, which has nearly three times as many programs as football does. “If you fail in basketball, it’s easier to get a second opportunity,” Mr. Smith said.
But the main reason may be cultural differences between the sports. “Basketball is a sport,” said William C. Rhoden, a columnist for The New York Times. “Football is a religion.” When looking for a football coach, he said, presidents and athletics officials look as much for someone who can unite a community as win games. “The fear is, this black guy, this Hispanic guy, this Native American,” Mr. Rhoden said, “maybe he won’t quite be accepted into this club.”
See posted comments:
Why Are There More Black Coaches in Basketball Than Football? - Chronicle.com
