Minority Opinion
A look at the 30 of the best minority coaches ready to move on.
by: PSG Research Staff©
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There are 117 Division I-A football programs and five (5) are led by minority coaches. Is this acceptable? Absolutely not. Can this situation be corrected? Absolutely.
Take this test- write down the names of all five I-A football coaches; its not that difficult (Tyrone Willingham, Stanford; Jerry Baldwin, Louisiana-Lafayette; Fitz Hill, San Jose State; Bobby Williams, Michigan State; and Tony Samuels, New Mexico State). Now, use that same piece of paper and list all minority D-IA head basketball coaches. A little more difficult because the number is 159.
So, what does the aforementioned test prove? It shows that color or race is no longer an issue for ADs in basketball. When Tommy Amaker was named Michigan's new basketball coach, there was not one mention or reference to his being an African-American; just the fact he came from Seton Hall, played at Duke, etc.
This same lack of concern and, more importantly, an understanding of the inherent advantages of minority head coaches must become commonplace in football.
When ADs hire a football coach, the reality is their job is on the line. Therefore, these ADs make "safe" choices - hires that administrators, fans and the media are comfortable with as the new head coach. But, the result of safe choices is they systematically exclude everyone not a part of the safe or acceptable group. ADs want head coaches or coordinators from winning programs. This definition of a candidate serves to deny all opportunity to qualified position coaches, candidates from small colleges and great teachers from less than spectacular teams. This will prevent chances for not only minorities, but also coaches of any race that do not meet the "safe" criteria. Unfortunately, the impact on minorities is more distinctive. What can be done? Publicity for qualified minority candidates will exponentially increase both public and athletic administrator awareness of who qualified coaches are and where they can find them. This will help more minority coaches become coordinators (i.e. one step closer). Using the same 10-point criteria we used for the annual "Hot Coaches List (see page 18), here is a look at 30 of the top minority coaches in the game. These men are either ready now to run their own program, or are on the express track to that goal.
Charlie Strong, DC, South Carolina
After a solid rebuilding job at South Carolina, Holtz's top man on defense is ready for his own reclamation project. He has experience at big-time schools Florida, Notre Dame and Ole Miss and is ready. USC's defense was the anchor to the rebuilding project and he gets all of the credit.
Ted Cottrell, DC, New York Jets
After narrowly missing out on a chance to be the Bills new head coach, he was one of Herman Edwards' first hires. A respected NFL veteran coach, he will get a team of his own if the Jets exceed expectations this year or in 2002.
Marvin Lewis, DC, Baltimore Ravens
What everyone thought was a foregone conclusion after last year's Super Bowl win - a head job in the NFL - will surely happen this year if, as expected, the Ravens make another title run. This 21-year veteran coach entered the pro ranks with Pittsburgh, trained under Dom Capers, and is entering his sixth year as DC in Baltimore.
Maurice Carthorn, RB, Detroit Lions
This former NFL star FB is a Parcells' protege and was interviewed for the Jets top job last year. He will now study in the West Coast offense as Mornhinweg's RB coach, and if the Lions succeed, he may get an OC job - the next step before a HC position.
Joe Taylor, HC, Hampton University
One of the real stars in historically black college football, with his resume (139-55-4 at Hampton, Virginia Union and Howard and two Black College titles), he should be given a shot at the I-A level. His references include Grant Teaff and Mike Shannahan.
Ricky Hunley, DL, Florida
A former two-time All-American and member of the College Football Hall of Fame as a player at Arizona, he has put in his time as an apprentice and with a big year from the Gators, he may be ready for either a big-time DC job or a HC job at a mid-major. Everyone who meets him walks away knowing his time will surely come soon. He has worked for years to develop a strategic plan for a winning program and all he needs is a chance to use it.
John Parker, HC, Cheyney
A 16-year veteran coach beginning his fourth season at the helm of a more than downtrodden Cheyney program (18 years without a winning season, five years and 52-straight losses prior to his arrival). He has breathed life into Cheyney winning four games in 2000, and performed this program revival once before salvaging Minnesota-Morris in 1997-98, leading UMM out a 27-game losing streak to four wins in his second year.
Pete Richardson, HC, Southern
Entering his eighth year at the controls of one of the historic programs in black college football, Richardson has been more than spectacular (71-22, four SWAC titles, four 11-win seasons and three Black National Championships). With the way he has managed and built the Jaguar program, any AD looking for a leader should keep his number on speed dial.
Buzz Preston, RB, Stanford
A former OC at UNLV and RB coach at Washington State, he has worked with Willingham for three years and is viewed as a top-notch recruiter and motivator. Another trip to the Rose Bowl may well be the catapult he needs for either another OC job or a HC chance.
Desmond Robinson, RB, Notre Dame
With 20+ years in the coaching profession, including stops in Pittsburgh, UConn, Dartmouth, Tulane and West Virginia before his stop with the Irish, he has been on both sides of the ball and is known as fearless recruiter. His seven bowl appearances and big-timers like Don Nehlen lining up for him should be enough to get a call from an AD.
Woody McCorvey, RB, Tennessee
A true "pro" as a coach, he has worked at some of the best programs in the history of the game (Alabama, Clemson, South Carolina and now Tennessee). He was given great responsibility with Bama serving as OC and AHC for Gene Stallings and won a National Championship. He is widely reputed to be a great recruiter and spokesperson for his school.
Jim Skipper, former HC, San Francisco Demons (XFL)
With some people, you have to guess if they can be a head coach; not with him. He led his team to the XFL title game in the league's only year. A NFL veteran with strong mentors Jim Mora, Vince Tobin and Jim Fassel, he has great experience and leadership qualities. He has what it takes and simply needs another college or pro team.
Dino Babers, OC, Texas A&M
A shot is all anyone can ask for and he has it now as OC at high-profile Texas A&M. He comes to the Aggies from Arizona, where he served as Dick Tomey's OC for three years and coached RB, WR and QB for three additional seasons. He also has the perfect trifecta of coaching experience: working as a defensive assistant, head of special teams at earlier stops in his career, and OC experience.
Karl Dorrell, WR, Denver Broncos
After a 12-year college career, including stops at UCLA, Central Florida Northern Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Washington, several of which he served as the OC, he enters his second year with Denver. He is learning from one of the best in the business (Shannahan) and is on the fast track.
Lovie Smith, DC, St. Louis Rams
A Tony Dungy disciple, he now gets his own defense to run. Timing is on his side as the Rams figure to be a Super Bowl contender and, if the defense plays better than its pathetic form of 2000, he will get the credit. He has college experience at Wisconsin, Arizona State, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio State.
Ed Lambert, AHC, Vanderbilt
It is hard to move from a non-winning program, but Lambert has the background that should push him forward. He has been on the Vandy staff for eight years and served as the OC and AHC during his stay. He has coached at every level, as a championship high school coach (Fremont, Ca.), colleges (Cal, Boise State, Iowa State, New Mexico, Baylor and Vandy), and in the pros (LA Express of the USFL).
Doug Williams, HC, Grambling
This former record-setting QB has all of the ingredients to move on to the I-A level: the name recognition, the obvious ability, and succeeds in rebuilding the most esteemed of all black college football programs (10-2 in 2000). In finding a way to get it done following the legendary Eddie Robinson, he has put himself in a great spot for national media acclaim.
John Hendrick, DL, Mississippi State
Working with one of the best DCs in the game (Joe Lee Dunn), he has gained attention during his eight years in Starkville as one of the nation's premiere DL coaches. A dynamic individual, who regularly lands some of the best talent to MSU, he has a great pedigree (Pitt, Delaware State, Southern, Texas A&M, LSU, K-State, Temple and MSU) and work ethic to move his career forward.
Alex Wood, QB, Minnesota Vikings
As the mentor to Duante Culpepper and serving as one of Dennis Green's most trusted assistants, he has the proven ability to lead his own squad. He was the HC at I-AA James Madison 1995-98 and has great college experience including two National Championships with Miami, and stops at Southern Illinois, Southern, Wyoming, and Washington State. A highly intellectual and articulate speaker, he will make a great D-IA or NFL head coach.
Tony Samuel, HC, New Mexico State
In 1999, he pulled off the seemingly impossible leading NMSU to only their second winning season in 22 years. He is an 18-year veteran of Nebraska football and needs only another winning season in Las Cruces, NM to garner the attention of ADs.
Fitz Hill, HC, San Jose State
The long-time Arkansas assistant finally gets his own club in 2001. As the only African-American hired in 2000, all eyes will be on him this fall. If he wins (and he may despite a schedule only a sadist would like... opening with USC, Colorado and Stanford), ADs may think this bright young coach, with a Ph.D., should be the spokesman for their school. He will win sooner or later and his resume will get him a big-time school.
Randy Shannon, DC, Miami
The former Hurricane star is returning home from the Dolphins, of the NFL, to lead the defense in what many believe will be a run to a National title. If the Canes do go all the way and the defense plays well, Shannon will get recognized. While probably a few years away from a HC shot, the entire media glare that shines on Miami will help boost his career.
Ruffin McNeil, LB, Texas Tech
Nothing gets the attention of the people in the hiring process more than association with winners. He is entering his second year tutoring under the widely esteemed and brilliant DC Greg McMackin. He is known as a tenacious worker and recruiter and the players absolutely love him. He has DC experience at Appalachian State and will most assuredly get DC job or better if the Red Raiders have the kind of year many expect.
Melvin Smith, DB, Mississippi State
A fantastic defensive coach and one of the nation's best at getting juco players, he is a Mississippi coaching guru with over 20 years at every level in the state (high school, junior college and MSU). He has experience on both sides of the ball having been the Dawgs WR coach before moving to the defense and working with wizard Joe Lee Dunn. He was hotly pursued after the 2000 season for DB jobs and may get a DC spot this year.
Fred Jackson, AHC/RB, Michigan
Big-time schools are always good for career advancement. He is a proven college coach and recruiter having served 20+ years in the game. He has been OC at Toledo, Wisconsin, Purdue and Michigan. Considered an excellent offensive mind and teacher, he has and will continue to get opportunities to interview for HC positions.
Kelly Skipper, OC, UCLA
The son of Jim Skipper, he enters his first year as OC for the Bruins, promoted when acclaimed Al Borges left for Cal. This will be his fourth year at UCLA after nine seasons at Fresno State. He brings to the OC spot a reputation as one of the best RB coaches in America. If the Bruins have a rebound year, he gets great production from RB DeShaun Foster, they get high-profile wins over Alabama, USC, etc., and go high in national rankings, he will get some much-needed recognition.
Billy Joe, HC, Florida A&M
With 27 years as a head coach and a 214-85-4 record, including 30 wins in the past three years, there is not much more he can do to get a shot at D-IA. A former president of the AFCA and a renowned public speaker, he is one of the best in the game and is a treasure for the Rattlers program.
Vance Bedford, DB, Chicago Bears
After 13 years in the college ranks (Oklahoma State, Colorado State and Michigan), he joined the Bears. A former Texas Longhorn great, he is a skilled technician and communicator with his players. Working with Jauron has only helped his reputation for defensive knowledge.
Tim Lewis, DC, Pittsburgh
As the DC of an NFL team, he immediately gets great respect. But, this young up-and-comer is a very good teacher and has been trained by some of the best in the business (Cowher, Capers, etc.). Given his background as a former player and the way his career was cut short by injury, players listen to and respect him.
Turner Gill, QB, Nebraska
His experience with one of the winningest programs in the history of the game, gives him the background that schools may want in looking for a HC. He has tutored some great qbs and is noted for outstanding communication skills and teaching ability. A team looking to install an option attack may hire him as OC and that may create the chance he needs. s
Others to Watch...
Jim Webb, DC Indiana, Brian Stewart, DB Syracuse; Sylvester Croom, RB Green Bay; Charlie Coe, AHC/WR Memphis; David Kelly, WR Ga. Tech; Dewayne Walker, DB USC; Emmitt Thomas, DC Minnesota Vikings; Sherman Lewis, OC Minnesota Vikings; Everett Whithers, DB Tennessee Titans; George Stewart, WR San Francisco 49ers; Jappy Oliver, DL Air Force; Jay Norvell, WR Indianapolis Colts; Jerry Gray, DC Buffalo Bills; Johnny Roland, RB Arizona Cardinals; Kevin Sumlin, WR Texas A&M; L.C. Cole, HC Alabama State; Matt Simon, RB Baltimore Ravens; Mo Lattimore, DB Kansas State; Nelson Barnes, DE Nebraska; Perry Fewell, DB Jacksonville Jaguars; Ron Brown,WR Nebraska; Tony Pierce, RB Georgia; Wayne Moses, RB USC; Wayne Nunnelly, DL San Diego Chargers; Terry Robiske,WR Cleveland Browns; Brian Norwood, S, Penn State; Demontie Cross, LB, Iowa State.
Charlie Strong, DC, South Carolina
Baltimore DC Marvin Lewis is a future head coach.
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