The Masked Blogger

Leveling The Playing Field

On January 13, 2009, Indianapolis Colts Head Coach, Tony Dungy retired. Dungy is impressive even to the most casual of fans. He blends genius and humility in an unparalleled fashion. In addition, he is the first African American Head Coach to win the Super Bowl. Tony Dungy is like Santa Claus; everyone likes him.

Dungy’s replacement is Colts Assistant Head Coach, Jim Caldwell, who is also African American. Caldwell has been groomed to replace Dungy upon retirement for over a year. I have no problem with the Colts promoting Caldwell and not opening the position to a standard interviewing process. What I find objectionable is the inconsistency of the matter. Last year, when it was announced that Seattle Seahawks Assistant Head Coach, Jim Mora, would replace Mike Holmgren there was a certain amount of outrage. Mora and Holmgren are both Caucasian and no other candidates were even given opportunity to apply.

Here’s the deal: I don’t care if you are red, yellow, black, white, green, or any other color. Every organization in every field of employment has the right to hire who they want. Race does not make you qualified, but rather your education, experience, and skill set. Should there be diversity? Sure, but not on the basis of skin color, but rather on ability. I don’t see anything wrong with how the Colts or Seahawks replaced their coaches. However, there is something wrong with the inconsistency in criticism. Leveling the playing field not only demands equal opportunity, but scrutiny as well.