College football’s perennial black eye

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Another study from the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport ... another indication that college football’s record of hiring African Americans is woefully lacking.

With the firings of Ty Willingham at Washington and Ron Prince at Kansas State, the number of African American head coaches at the 119 major college football programs will be reduced to four, the lowest in 15 years.

Eleven years ago, there were eight, the highest number. That in itself is a statement, considering that 55% of all student athletes are minorities.

Charlotte Westerhaus, NCAA vice president for diversity and inclusion, told the Associated Press she was disappointed with the figures, especially considering the first election of an African American president the day before.

‘This moment on Tuesday reflected the best of our country,’ she said. ‘Our country showed the will and the way. We have to do the same.’

-- Mike James