In an NFL filled with millionaires, where the majority are black, the cries of racism over the lack of black head coaches in the latest hiring cycle seem like a peculiar concern. With 10 head coaching vacancies filled, none were black, and certain voices in the media have described this as alarming. Yet, in this league, where around 70% of players are African-American, it seems a stretch to argue that there’s institutional anti-black prejudice at play.

Let’s put this into perspective. These so-called analysts and commentators have taken to typing furious think-pieces or perhaps delegating those tasks to AI, claiming the NFL suffers from a cycle of repetitive dysfunction due to the lack of black head coaches. We hear this cycle is reflective of a systemic problem, despite the fact that about one-third of assistant coaches are black. If there’s true discrimination, how are so many African-American individuals in influential positions?

When it comes to diversity, the assertions become even more amusing. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks of the need for progress, for a more diverse league. But here’s the irony: making the NFL more “diverse” could technically mean having fewer black individuals, given their current dominant representation. The term has become a euphemism that means something quite contrary to its actual definition, often excluding the presence and success of white individuals.

Is it really progress if we insist on quotas rather than merit? If these newly hired white head coaches are fulfilling their roles competently, perhaps the real issue is not whom was hired, but why certain demographics continue to be over-emphasized despite prevailing success. Asking for mandatory diversity could open a Pandora’s box—one that inaccurately suggests meritocracy is an outdated concept.

Moreover, it’s intriguing how mainstream narratives often gloss over the integral fact that if the league weren’t working towards true equality, the overwhelming representation of black talents wouldn’t exist in the first place. So, while the drum of diversity beats louder, we might want to pause and remember to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have built illustrious careers based on pure skill and dedication, rather than algorithms and checkboxes on a list marked “diversity initiative.”