The NFL has faced criticism over the years for its lack of diversity among head coaches. While the Rooney Rule was established to address this issue, it has frequently led to token interviews for candidates of color, merely to fulfill requirements before the organization hires their preferred choice.
In a refreshing turn of events, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars are advancing with the interview process for former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. “Former (Jets) head coach Robert Saleh has a second interview with the (Jaguars) scheduled for Friday, per sources. Saleh acquitted himself well in first interview and gets a longer look,” Fowler detailed in a post on Twitter.
Although there is still progress to be made in achieving greater diversity within the NFL, and with Saleh’s situation yet to be finalized, this represents a positive step and a significant moment for the Jaguars. Since their inception in 1995, the Jaguars have yet to hire a minority head coach, having appointed seven coaches to date, all of whom have been white. Hiring Saleh, who is of Lebanese descent, would mark a groundbreaking achievement as the team’s first minority head coach.
Furthermore, Saleh would also become the first Muslim head coach in Jaguars history, as he made history in 2021 when he was hired by the New York Jets, becoming the first Muslim head coach in the NFL. Saleh has proudly embraced his heritage; during one of last season’s games, he sported a small Lebanese flag patch on his Jets sweatshirt.
If the Jaguars decide to hire Saleh, it would symbolize a significant moment not only for him and the franchise but also for the NFL as a whole.
