Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith.......?

Question

now that the two are meeting in the super bowl, how big is this for the african american community to have two black head coaches facing in the super bowl.

the super bowl will be played on february 4th(during black history month)

Congrats to Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith, the Colts and Bears for reaching the super bowl

Answer 1

I think it's great, and I think it's very important.

I am really happy that many people are answering your question with responses like "it doesn't matter if they are purple with green spots" because I think that is truly and sincerely the way to progress as a society. But unfortunately America bears the shadows and scars of it's racist past and it's a mistake to think that we are so enlightened when the spectre of Jim Crow lies only a few decades distant.

In terms of football, what I know of the system (having never played the game) is that the blatant segregation of the early all-white pro sport was replaced (once the color barrier was broken, first in 1946 and then in a more than token way as the decades passed) by a more insidious form of discrimination on the part of the high school and college coaches that are responsible for young player's development. The reports and studies indicate that, like many dangerous academic teachers, these mentors have been inclined over the years to treat developing young black athletes as the brawn and muscle of their teams, while young white players are groomed towards the more intellectually demanding leadership positions (that is to say quarterback or offensive linesmen.) It's a prejudice that's subtle and pervasive. You can hear it in announcers when they gush over a black athlete's pure athleticsim or prowess, praising his "innate strength" or "pure instinct" and by contrast celebrate the white quarterbacks with accolades regarding his "great decision making" and "pure football smarts."

It starts young and has consequences down the road. Plenty of black defensive players in the NFL report having played QB or another key offensive position in HS and then were told by their white coaches in the big college programs that if they wanted to make the cut they better learn how to "run backwards." What's important is that it seems to be changing. as recently as 5 or 10 years ago african american QB's, on both the NFL and the college level, were not so common that that their race didn't get noticed and commented upon. I see this less and less every year, and that's important.

In terms of coaching, the NFL has been aggresive of late in their affirmative action hiring practices - including the controversial rule that each hiring session must include an interview with at least one minority coach. A lot of people object to this and I don't remember offhand if this rule had been implemented when either coach Dungy or coach Smith were hired. But I think that this is the NFL attempting to promote awareness of the inequities of the past system, and bringing the issue of minority hiring to the center of attention, loudly, sends a message - subtle or not - that this is a league that is moving beyond the old boy system and that football smarts and creative minds get a chance for success, no matter what color you are and no matter what side of town you grew up in.

Answer 2

I answered a question like this just a few minutes ago, and I will answer yours the same way. Who cares that they are both black head coaches? Lovie Smith is the head coach of my favorite team, and he just guided them to the Superbowl. He just happens to be black. Does that make him a better head coach? No. Why does race have to be an issue here? Yes, this is a historic day, but Lovie and Tony BOTH have stated this is about their football TEAMS, not them. White, black, green, purple, or blue, who cares. If he gives my team the best chance to win, he could be red with purple spots for all I care. Football is the ultimate team sport. No one coach or player is bigger than the team. That should apply here. Lovie and Tony are aware of the significance but downplaying their roles. Both guys are class all the way.

Go BEARS.

P.S. If Jerry Angelo (The GM of the Bears) or Ted Phillips (The CFO) are reading this, give Lovie his paper, he earned it.

Answer 3

Not really... This country stopped segregation and let everyone be equal a long time ago. But still when an African American does something good, everyone think it's a big deal? Makes no sense to me. I am white and not racist what so ever, but I still don't get why when an African American does something good, everyone gets all excited.

Answer 4

Well honestly I think it is cool and all, but I really wish a white coach, Tom Coughlin was there and won the whole thing.
Hopefully though this will give more minority coaches a chance if they are qualified to coach in the NFL.

Answer 5

It shows that black coaches are just as good and can lead teams to championships just as well as any coach.

Answer 6

it's really big it prove that african american coaches can lead at the NFL level and now maybe they want be over look down at the college programs level either and start hiring more african americans coaches and we will see a african america coach a national camp one day

Answer 7

It's a nice thing.

Answer 8

they are great coaches regardless of race. Let them enjoy the moment and not just the racial significance.

Answer 9

Already with the poor black crap. By the way there is no black month. Just like there is no kwansaa. You proud of ******? Go visit LA.

Answer 10

Just have to say - Natterjac, I Love your answer.