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The NFL’s chronic struggles with racial bias in the hiring of coaches and General Managers has had, in a strange sort of way, an indirect benefit for the league. It has obscured the question of whether the league also has a bias against older coaches.
Most legally-protected characteristics are hard-wired. From race to gender to sexual orientation to disability, people are who they are. For one protected class, we’ll all get there — if we’re lucky.
Federal law, along with the laws of most if not all states, prohibit discrimination against age. The protection begins at the age of 40. But, obviously, the temptation to discriminate can get stronger as 40 dips farther and farther into the rearview mirror.
In the 22-plus years we’ve been operating this specific media outlet, there have been multiple examples of possible ageism. Often, it happens with lower-profile jobs, like scouting. Given the latest hiring cycle for head coaches, it’s fair to ask whether there’s a bias against older head coaches.
Two of the best coaches in league history were available. Bill Belichick, 71, got one interview. Pete Carroll, 72, got none.
The average age of the eight new head coaches (Mike Macdonald, 36; Jerod Mayo, 37; Brian Callahan, 39; Dave Canales, 42; Antonio Pierce, 45; Raheem Morris, 47; Dan Quinn, 53; Jim Harbaugh, 60) is 44.8. (If Washington had landed 37-year-old Ben Johnson instead of the 53-year-old Quinn, the average would have been 42.8.)
During his invitation-only Super Bowl press conference, Commissioner Roger Goodell got a meandering question that seemed to be addressing the issue of age bias, with some seasoned, experienced head coaches in multiple situations relegated to the role of assistant head coach for a much younger head coach — and with others frozen out of work entirely.
“A lot there,” Goodell said in response. “Let me try to make sure I address all that you’ve asked about. I’d start with the fact that the NFL is incredibly competitive, on and off the field. And it’s hard to…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/does-nfl-age-discrimination-issue-161339218.html
Author : ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-18 16:13:39
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