Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Joshua D. Henson

Second Advisor

Dr. Debra J. Dean

Third Advisor

Dr Isaac Dixon

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the impact of the Rooney Rule on the recruitment and advancement of Black coaches in the National Football League (NFL). Despite its implementation, Black coaches remain significantly underrepresented in top coaching positions, including head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine Black coaches who worked in the NFL between 2003 and 2024, this study explored how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) practices and executive recruitment strategies influenced their career advancement based on their lived experiences. Six principal themes emerged: (a) pathways to advancement, (b) visibility without intent, (c) ineffective inclusion, (d) uncertainty of the Rooney Rule, (e) unstable inclusion, and (f) progress through mentorship. Participants described how bias, key relationships, and systemic barriers influenced their professional advancement, often undermining the intended goals of the Rooney Rule. The findings highlight the need for proactive executive recruitment, organizational transparency, and leadership commitment to DEIB principles. This dissertation offers insights into conceptual and practical gaps in current approaches and presents implications for senior executive recruitment, diversity efforts, and talent management. Recommendations include redesigning executive recruitment frameworks, allocating sufficient resources for mentorship and sponsorship, and integrating DEIB into strategic decision-making to support sustainable transformation within the NFL and the broader professional sports environment.

Download


Share

COinS