This study examines subsequent head coach opportunities for former
National Football League (NFL) head coaches. Descriptive statistics
indicate that Black former NFL head coaches may experience diminished
career opportunities relative to their White counterparts. Despite public
interest, empirical evidence of diminished opportunities is limited.
Moreover, Black former head coaches may be affected by characteristics
of the media market they were most recently employed in. Under a
subsequent CEO career framework, survival analysis is used to examine
the effects of race and market characteristics on subsequent NFL head
coach opportunities for former head coaches. Observations of former
head coaches who neither ended their coaching careers nor possess head
coach positions in the observed seasons are used (N=1,132). Black
former NFL head coaches are less likely to secure subsequent NFL head
coaching opportunities if their most recent coaching position was in a
large media market. However, both Black and non-Black former head
coaches who most recently coached in highly segregated metropolitan
areas experienced higher likelihoods of securing subsequent head
coaching opportunities. This segregated market effect is even stronger for
Black former head coaches. The NFL can utilize this information in policy
formation decisions regarding hiring policies and practices. Teams and
their lead executives can also use this information to identify any
personal biases that may arise within the head coach labor market.
Coaches may use the information to best position themselves for
subsequent career opportunities.