ARE U KIDDING ME?

In the wake of the 58-0 shutout at the hands of Clemson, The once feared and highly heralded University of Miami aka "The U" is yet again looking for another coach to restore their credibility and prominence. It has been some time since the school that lead the nation in first round picks and back up players going first round has been a factor on the college scene. What they do next will determine if they even have football relevance going forward.

One thing I give them credit for is allowing a coach of color to engage in the process of returning the team to glory and I hope they do it again. The sad part is in college sports the process isn't and has never been fair to coaches of color when the head coach position is up for grabs. Yes there are a few more but the word few actually means a few!

In 2014 it was revealed in an NCAA Student-Athlete Ethnicity Report study that African Americans represent 13% of the US population and 45.8% of the FBS football players. But sadly of the 128 D1 schools that year only 11 head coaches were Black. I'm not a statistician or into saber metrics but I can glance at distorted numbers and see a problem.

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Two conversations have to happen here; one why aren't they getting a chance and secondly when they do why aren't they getting the chance to really make it work? In fairness I can say Sylvester Crooms fits both cases, for those looking to take sides in an argument. He was completely, intentionally and embarrassingly passed over at Alabama. He gave his football life to the Tide and was flat out disrespected by not being offered the opportunity as a disciple of legendary coach Bear Bryant. Conversely at Mississippi State he was given 5 years, a college coaching lifetime, and his 21-38 record spoke to the need for change. He did have a Liberty Bowl win and a big win over Alabama that seemed to be the Universe saying all is even.

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But so many coaches get passed over by white coaches who haven't earned the equal right the coaches of color have. Some of these coaches have had issues with integrity and credibility the likes of Bobby Petrino; and it's as if their successes as offensive and defensive coordinators are never factored in when the time comes to make the final selection. The usual slap in the face comment is they didn't interview well...really? I thought the body of work is what should speak volumes. I remember a African American coach in basketball, the Big East to be specific, who had a measure of success but wasn't the brash New York, New Jersey braggadocios personality and ultimately cost him in job as he was winning! So who cares about winning as long as you can smoke cigars and talk trash with the alumni and board of trustees...SMH

The hiring of African American Coaches in college football needs a closer look with respect to how it can improve the hiring of Coaches of Color. Tie it into TV revenue with schools who hire black coaches getting more prime time games which will help recruiting and exposure. Tie it into an extra scholarship or benefit that helps to level the playing field for those coaches trying to get on the same field.

Sports-Yahoo.com

I heard former Baltimore Raven and future Hall of Famer Ed Reed say he would be interested in returning to his alma mater, The U,  if he were contacted and I think of other African American Coaches who's times have come and may be going. Give them the chance; take the chance; enhance the chance. The verbal parity conversation the NCAA spews doesn't match the actuality the students of color see. What they see, what we all see, is that those with the money and donor purses dictate behavior. You want a new building hire this guy; you want a new field my choice is that guy. You hire "that" guy and I don't know how much more support I can give. And there you have it; money from donors talk and integrity of decisions walks, in a lot of cases.

I don't have all the answers but I have a request. Hire the best person; the most deserving person. Hire the person who can relate to the players who are high profile and can put people in the seats and the team on TV. If that is a white coach than hire him; but if it's a black coach hire him as well. But for the love of first and ten don't say he didn't interview well. If he can coach, gain the players and parents respect and incorporate integrity into the program, he deserves the job. If a booster doesn't like it he deserves the door; and the public declaration that he had a problem with a person of color. The thought of his discriminatory stance going public will keep the money in place. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.