CC 0809 Update 3

Good news on New Year's Eve- we have a seventh African American head coach in Division 1 football!!

UCLA's DeWayne Walker has been selected to replace Hal Mumme at New Mexico State University.

Before we get to excited, though, a piece or two of perspective: 7/120 = >6%. Number of African American head coaches of the 65 BCS Conference schools? 1 (>2%)- Coach Shannon at Miami.

Here are the current numbers- looks like the searches are completed:

Toledo: Hire- Tim Boeckman (no)
Kansas State: Hire- Bill Snyder (no)
Tennessee: Hire- Lane Kitfin (no)
Washington: Hire- Steve Sarkisian (no)
Wyoming: Hire- Dave Christensen (no)
Clemson: Hire- Dabo Swinney (no)
New Mexico: Hire- Mike Locksley (YES!!)
Mississippi State- Hire: Dan Mullen (no)
Bowling Green: Hire- Dave Clawson (no)
Syracuse: Hire- Doug Marrone (no)
Auburn: Hire- Gene Chizik (no)
San Diego State: Hire- Brady Hoke (no)
Iowa State: Hire- Paul Rhoads (no)
Utah State: Hire- Gary Andersen (no)
Eastern Michigan: Hire- Ron English (YES!!)
Miami of Ohio: Hire- Mike Haywood (YES!!)
New Mexico State: Hire- DeWayne Walker (YES!!)
Army: Hire- Rich Ellerson (no)
Ball State: Hire- Stan Parrish (no)

19 openings, 4 African Americans hired (21%). Getting better, but still a long way to go. Slate magazine takes a pretty good look into this situation, and speculates that there are several factors:

• Ability and opportunity for young African American coaches to build relationships with boosters
• Boosters own racism (acknowledged or otherwise)
• Appropriate mentoring of potential candidates (Assistant coaches and O/D Coordinators) to prepare them for next step
• Athletic Directors/University Presidents willing to risk hiring not just a new coach, but one who is "different" (whatever that means)
  

Given where we are in history, you would hope that this would be something that would change a little faster than it has. Perhaps other solutions are warranted...