Future of Black Coaches in America
The Athletic recently came out with an article about black coaches or the lack thereof and it really got me thinking about my childhood and the black coaches I had growing up. If I don’t include my dad and my uncles, I don’t think I can recall having that many black coaches growing up.
As Mark McKenzie eloquently put in a recent MLS Black history month discussion… it’s just different when you have a coach that can understand you and has gone through some of the same things you went through
I was fortunate to have my dad as my first coach and countless uncles involved in the game due to their Nigerian heritage but what about the other black kids where soccer was a foreign sport.
Lately there has been a lot of talk about making the game accessible to “inner city kids” (people love using that term…) or how we can get our “best athletes” to participate and enjoy soccer. Fortunately, there are quite a few people making efforts to get black kids involved through different initiatives and what not. To be honest, that’s all fine and dandy but it won’t get better until we actually start seeing more black coaches,directors, managers,agents etc in these situations.
I remember when I first got invited to u 14 national id2 camp and coach Desmond Armstrong was one of our coaches. It was a sight to behold.
First of all hearing his story and seeing someone as an example of someone who’s been there and done that was so amazing. Having a coach give us insights at such a young age that we could relate too was a blessing many of us weren’t use to. I won’t lie, when I say all the young black kids listened a little more attentively when coach Desmond spoke, we did.
Off the top of my head, I can only remember 3 african american coaches during my youth days. None of them were permanent coaches because they were all coach invites for various youth national team camps. Coach Desmond, Coach Bo, and Coach Russell.
When I recall my childhood and see what’s happening now, I don’t see any US Born black soccer individuals that look ready to take the mantle for an MLS coaching job. But even if they were, would the opportunity even present itself. As Pablo Mauer wrote, if you look at the stats it’s real quiet in terms of Black coaches in head coaching positions.
I don’t know what it will take to change this but I do know there needs to be a collective effort to get something done. If everyone says what they claim about making soccer a sport for all, it’s only right that we figure out a collaborative way to get something done.
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Anyways done with my rant today so let me finish with a short list of US black soccer players that I think would make great coaches.
Eddie Johnson- Not sure what the deal is but how Orlando or even Miami haven’t hired him to be at the very least an academy coach makes zero sense. Considering he’s a Florida boy and has a great story that could relate to the exact demographic we are looking to welcome. Not only does his resume speak for his self, but his outspoken and brute honesty would be a value add in a sport that doesn’t have enough of it at the youth level. If you think your coach is tough or involved, go to an AAU basketball tournament and get back to me.
Sean Johnson- Great soccer mind and has a great rolodex of contacts that would help if he wanted to build out a team from international to domestic to youth talent.
Demarcus Beasley- This one is pretty obvious….
Jalil Anibaba- Already doing great things for the soccer community in Sacramento/Davis area. Great understanding of the game with his versatility as a player and understands the league with experience on multiple teams and top organizations
Last but not least…..me just kidding I don’t got the patience or passion to be a coach. However if you want to give me GM and coaching duties together, hit my line
