Women Breaking Barriers - Challenging the NFL

Most would think that a woman as the United States President is the ultimate position any woman could obtain. Yes, that would be great, but we have women in power—our first Vice President, members of Congress, the Senate, Supreme Court judges, and CEOs of major corporations—but where is our representation in the NFL?

The NFL holds a prominent role in the realm of professional football. However, despite the fact that there has been improvement in different aspects of diversity and inclusion, there continues to be a significant need for substantial change in one particular area - the recruitment of women as head coaches.

Now, you might be saying, “Izzi, women don’t play professional football, how can they coach a team?” Well, there are some women who probably know a whole heck of a lot more about football than some of the coaches who are out there right now. Did you know there have been and still are prominent head coaches who’ve never played in the NFL? Some have even led their team to win the Superbowl. Bruce Arians, who led the Arizona Cardinals and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mike Shanahan, who led the Denver Broncos to back-to-back Superbowl wins. Jon Gruden, who never played football in college or the NFL, led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Superbowl win. Andy Reid and Mike Tomlin, both outstanding head coaches, winning several Superbowls, but neither played beyond their college years. Even Bill Belichick, the legendary coach of the New England Patriots and winner of six Superbowls, never played in the NFL.

So why should women be considered for a position as an NFL head coach? Let me explain, in my own opinion, why the NFL needs to take a stand and consider women for these male-dominated roles.

Gender equality is an important facet of every society. Over the past few years, numerous sectors have made efforts to narrow the gender divide and enhance the presence of women in top managerial roles. The NFL ought not to be exempt in any way. By selecting a female head coach, the league has the opportunity to convey a strong message to men regarding its dedication to gender equality and also the acknowledgment of women’s competence in positions historically held by men.

Having a diverse range of leaders contributes different viewpoints and abilities to the discussion. The coaching methods and tactics that women employ have the potential to enhance and supplement the current approaches and strategies utilized by men. Including a variety of perspectives and backgrounds in coaching could result in a more comprehensive and innovative approach, which has the potential to improve team performance and make the league more competitive overall.

The presence of diverse individuals is important. The presence of a female NFL head coach would act as a strong inspiration for women who aspire to be leaders, coaches, and athletes in the sports industry. The young girls would receive encouragement to realize that there are absolutely no boundaries to their potential in the sports industry, inspiring them to follow their aspirations in football and other areas traditionally dominated by men. The presence of a female leading an NFL team has the potential to inspire and ignite a fresh wave of talented individuals and strong leadership in the world of football.

The NFL has the potential to greatly expand its pool of talented individuals by offering coaching positions to women. There are many women who have been involved in football for many years, both at the professional and collegiate levels. Expanding the variety of coaching strategies, techniques, and knowledge in the NFL can be advantageous, as it will ultimately improve the overall quality of coaching within the league.

The success of a football team is dependent upon the dynamics and culture within the team. Having coaching staff members with a range of backgrounds and perspectives can enhance the team’s culture by promoting inclusivity and understanding. This in turn leads to improved communication, unity, and teamwork among both players and staff members. A female head coach has the potential to embrace a unique leadership approach that could resonate with specific players and cultivate a more cohesive team atmosphere.

Enhancing the way the public perceives something

The public perception of the NFL could be enhanced if it were to select a female head coach, showcasing its dedication to promoting diversity. In the past, the NFL has encountered difficulties pertaining to embracing diversity and promoting gender equality. By actively dealing with these concerns and appointing a female head coach, the league would demonstrate its commitment to advancement and equal treatment. This move has the potential to draw in a broader as well as more diverse group of fans.

In a time when businesses are under growing legal obligations and scrutiny to promote gender diversity in leadership roles, it is crucial for the NFL to take proactive steps to tackle this matter. The NFL’s choice to appoint a female head coach is in accordance with legal and societal norms promoting gender equality. This decision could potentially shield the league from legal disputes or harm to its reputation arising from accusations of gender bias.

The NFL should set a good example and lead by example by hiring a woman to be its coach, as long as the said female is highly qualified. There are many potential outcomes of making this decision, including, but not limited to, advancing gender equality, inspiring future generations, improving teamwork, and positively influencing public opinion. The NFL has the opportunity to enhance its inclusivity and progressive mindset by embracing diversity in coaching at every level. This will lead to a more promising and fair future for the sport of football.

Reference: Sportsbrief.com