Hurts Coalition Awards
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Willie Jeffries Trailblazer Award
Criteria and Eligibility: This award is given annually to an individual or group whose sustained work in football has advanced the ideals of the Coalition. The award is named in honor of Willie Jeffries who became the first Black head football coach of an NCAA Division I-A football program at a predominantly white college. In addition, he won three Black National Championships and seven Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships on his way to induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. This award is fittingly named after a true coaching legend who had a barrier-breaking run through the highest ranks of football. Likewise, this award will go to the individual or group that has been barrier-breaking on or off the field – a true representation of all Willie Jefferies stood for.
2026 Willie Jeffries Trailblazer Recipient
Mellody Hobson is the first Black woman to hold an equity ownership stake in an NFL team. She is entering her fifth year as a member of the Denver Broncos ownership group as part of the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group’s $4.65 billion acquisition of the team.
Ms. Hobson is also Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, where she oversees management and serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Ariel Investment Trust. Upon assuming leadership, she helped grow assets under management from $1.2 billion to $17.8 billion.
In 2021, Ariel launched Project Black, an initiative focused on scaling minority-owned businesses into Tier 1 suppliers for Fortune 500 companies, with the goal of closing the racial wealth gap through job creation and sustainable economic growth.
Hobson’s leadership extends across corporate and nonprofit sectors. She is a director of JPMorgan Chase and previously was Chair of the Board of Starbucks Corporation, Chair of DreamWorks Animation, and served for many years on the board of The Estée Lauder Companies. Some of her nonprofit leadership includes serving as Chair of After School Matters, Vice Chair of World Business Chicago, Co-Chair of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and board member of the George Lucas Educational Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Hobson earned her A.B. from Princeton University’s School of International Relations and Public Policy, where she received the Woodrow Wilson Award, the university’s highest alumni honor.
Mellody Hobson
Denver Broncos
Co-Owner
2025 Willie Jeffries Trailblazer Recipient
Troy Vincent is a former NFL cornerback, league executive, and advocate for player development and social change. A standout defensive back at the University of Wisconsin, he was selected in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Over a 15-season career with the Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Washington, Vincent established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders. A five-time Pro Bowler and the 2002 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, he recorded 47 career interceptions and earned a spot on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Known for his leadership both on and off the field, he was as committed to serving his community as he was to shutting down opposing receivers.
Following his retirement, Vincent transitioned into football administration and is now the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations. In this role, he oversees policies on player safety, officiating, and competition integrity while playing a key role in advancing rule changes that enhance player protection without compromising the game’s competitive nature. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, he has helped launch initiatives like the NFL Accelerator Program, which creates opportunities for minority coaches and executives. His leadership continues to shape the sport, ensuring its growth and evolution at every level.
Beyond football, Vincent is a passionate advocate for social change, particularly in domestic violence prevention and youth mentorship. His commitment to leadership development and community engagement reflects his belief in using his platform to make a difference. Whether on the field, in the league office, or in the community, Troy Vincent’s career is a testament to integrity, fairness, and the power of opportunity.
Troy Vincent
NFL
Executive Vice President
2024 Willie Jeffries Trailblazer Recipient
Before Gene Smith started his administration career, he played defensive end on the 1973 Notre Dame National Championship team. He went on to join the Notre Dame coaching staff after graduating and helped lead the team to another National Championship in 1977. He started off his administration career as Eastern Michigan’s Athletic Director then he’d go on to fill the same role at Iowa State and Arizona State before being named Ohio State’s 8th Athletic Director in 2005.
During his tenure at Ohio State, Smith won his third College Football National Championship in 2014. He has also overseen 110 teams and 346 individuals that won Big 10 championships, along with 28 teams and 105 individuals who won National Championships. Smith also created the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute to provide leadership, character, and career development for all Ohio State student-athletes to best prepare them for life after graduation.
Smith has earned many accolades for his achievements as OSU’s Athletic Director. He is the only two-time winner of the Sports Business Journal A.D. of the Year award. He has been named by Sports Illustrated, Forbes, and Black Enterprise as one of the most influential minorities in American Sports. He is also a member of the inaugural “Legends Class” of the NACDA Hall of Fame.
Gene Smith
Ohio State
Athletic Director
2023 Willie Jeffries Trailblazer Recipient
As an attorney at the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, Kevin Warren advised
the Wilf family on the purchase of the Minnesota Vikings. He soon began a long tenure with the team where
he was eventually promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2015, making him the first
African American COO in the National Football League (NFL) and the highest ranking African American
business executive in the NFL. In 2019, Warren was named the 6th Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference.
He became the 1st African-American Commissioner of an Autonomous Five (Power 5) conference. Warren’s
legacy includes a newly signed $7 billion media rights deal for the conference. He was most recently
announced the new President and CEO of the Chicago Bears. Warren continues to be a community leader
and is very active in civic philanthropy. In addition to donating $1,000,000 to the University of Minnesota
Masonic Children’s Hospital, Kevin and his wife Greta formed the Warren Family Foundation with the mission
of empowering the journeys of young people – inside and beyond the classroom.
Kevin Warren
Chicago Bears
President
2022 Willie Jeffries Trailblazer Recipient
Brian Flores has forged a distinguished career as a coach in the NFL including three years as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. In February 2022 he filed a class action lawsuit against the NFL, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Dolphins organizations alleging racial discrimination. The NFL is not immune to systemic racism and coaches have long been aware of these issues, but this unprecedented move speaks to the very reason that the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches exists today. The courage it took to be the first coach to stand up and speak out against discrimination embodies the spirit of this award. In a time when many have felt that their careers have been stifled because of discriminatory hiring practices, Flores was the first to take a stand and fight back to challenge the system.
Brian Flores
Minnesota Vikings
Defensive Coordinator
2021 Willie Jeffries Trailblazer Recipient
In terms of the greater picture, it’s not difficult to measure Coach Nick Saban’s tremendous impact on football and beyond. This season, Coach Saban led Alabama to a perfect 13-0 record to secure his seventh national championship. This propelled Coach Saban past Paul W. Bryant for the most national titles all time. He has coached more games (86) as the Associated Press' No. 1 than any other active head coach. But his impact far exceeds wins on the field. As writer Jimmy McMurry recently stated, “All college football coaches make impacts on their respective schools, but few have made impacts on a national level like Nick Saban has in recent years. He really is helping sculpt a new college football landscape.” He has set a new standard for institutions and other head coaches to be truly invested in players, coaching staff, and the sport of college football itself. In addition, he has committed to important causes in football such as bringing greater equity to the hiring of college coaches. This is reflected not only by his help launching the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches, but by being a true champion of its mission. Coach Saban also continues to cultivate an impressive coaching tree that has advanced many minority coaches, including recent head coaches such as Mario Cristobal, Mike Locksley, Mel Tucker, and Charles Huff. All this exemplifies how Coach Saban has undoubtedly been a true trailblazer both on and off the football field.
Nick Saban
University of Alabama
Head Coach
Professional Coach of the Year
Criteria and Eligibility: This award is given annually to a football coach at the professional level. The purpose of this award is to honor a minority coach who has excelled on the field and had an exemplar season or a coach who has used his position to advance diversity in the professional ranks. This honoree demonstrates integrity, character, and excellence both on and off the field.
2026 Hurts Professional Coach of the Year Recipient
During his time in the NFL, Robert Saleh has been a part of nine top-ten defenses, and in his nine seasons as a defensive coordinator or head coach, his team has finished in the top five in total defense on five occasions. His body of leadership has drawn widespread league recognition, elevating his profile as one of the most respected defensive minds in football.
Saleh’s 2025 season as Defensive Coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers especially stands out as a remarkable example of leadership, resilience, and strategic excellence—making him a highly deserving candidate for the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches “Coach of the Year” honor.
Rejoining the 49ers in January 2025 after previous success in the role, Saleh inherited a defense facing significant adversity, including major injuries to cornerstone players. Despite these setbacks, his unit finished 11th in the NFL in points allowed, a testament not only to scheme and execution, but to Saleh’s ability to inspire performance beyond its statistical profile.
Saleh’s influence extended beyond pure numbers; he demonstrated adaptability and innovation by maximizing young and unproven talent, keeping the team competitive even as conventional metrics suggested struggles. Under his guidance, San Francisco’s defense delivered timely stops and high-leverage plays that were pivotal in key wins and in securing a 12–5 record and a playoff win.
Saleh’s work in 2025 exemplifies the core values of the Coalition—strategic vision, relentless preparation, and the development of opportunity through football. These accomplishments reflect not just coaching excellence, but impactful leadership in the sport. This impressive season culminated in the Tennessee Titans hiring Saleh as the 22nd head coach in franchise history.
Robert Saleh
Tennesse Titans
Head Coach
2025 Professional Coach of the Year Recipient
Aaron Glenn, a former NFL cornerback and seasoned coach, has been appointed as the head coach of the New York Jets, marking a homecoming to the team where he began his professional playing career. Glenn was selected 12th overall by the Jets in the 1994 NFL Draft and played his first eight seasons with the team, earning two Pro Bowl selections during that time.
After retiring as a player, Glenn transitioned into coaching, serving as the defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints from 2016 to 2020 and as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2021 to 2024. Aaron Glenn’s Detroit Lions defense was a key factor in the team’s success this season, showing significant improvement in both pass rush and run defense. His unit played with toughness and discipline, ranking among the league’s best in stopping the run and creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With a relentless front seven and a physical secondary, Glenn’s aggressive scheme helped the Lions become a playoff contender, proving his ability to develop talent and adapt his defense to compete at the highest level.
Aaron Glenn has been named the new head coach of the New York Jets, returning to the franchise where he began his NFL playing career. Glenn brings a proven track record of developing tough, disciplined defenses with him.
Aaron Glenn
New York Jets
Head Coach
2024 Professional Coach of the Year Recipient
Mike Tomlin has spent the last 17 years as the Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach and has had a winning season each year. Coach Tomlin started his NFL coaching career as the Defensive Backs Coach on Tony Dungy’s staff in Tampa Bay. He helped lead the Bucs to two seasons as the leagues #1 total defense and a Super Bowl title in 2002 with the team setting the Super Bowl record for interceptions. He spent one season as the Vikings Defensive Coordinator before being hired by the Steelers as their Head Coach.
Coach Tomlin led the Steelers to their 6th Super Bowl title in 2008 and became the youngest coach to do so. Since Tomlin has taken over, the Steelers have 8 AFC North Division titles, along with 2 AFC Championships. With 173 regular season wins, Andy Reid is the only active head coach with more regular season wins.
This season, the Steelers started three different quarterbacks and had a multitude of injuries, but with the leadership of Coach Tomlin the team went to its 11th playoff appearance of his career.
Mike Tomlin
Pittsburgh Steelers
Head Coach
2023 Professional Coach of the Year Recipient
DeMeco Ryans played linebacker at the University of Alabama from
2002-2005. As a senior, he was a unanimous All-American selection, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and
earned First-Team All-SEC honors. Ryans also earned defensive MVP honors in the 2006 Cotton Bowl. Ryans
was drafted in the second round by the Houston Texans in the 2006 NFL Draft. During his 10-year career,
Ryans was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and PFWA Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-Pro in 2007
and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009. Ryans is currently in his 6th season of coaching with the
49ers and 2nd year as the team's defensive coordinator. In his first season as defensive coordinator, the
defense ranked 3rd in the NFL allowing 310 total yards per game. The 49ers saw eight different players
record an interception on the season and also forced 22 fumbles on defense - the most in the NFL and the
most in a single season by the 49ers since 1994. The 49ers defense has been equally accomplished this
season, propelling the team through the playoffs. In fact, the 49ers had the second-highest defensive grade
in the NFL this season under Ryans' guidance.
DeMeco Ryans
Houston Texans
Head Coach
2022 Professional Coach of the Year Recipient
Leslie Frazier has had a lot of success at different destinations as an NFL coach. In 2006, he won the Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts as the team's Defensive Back Coach/ Assistant Head Coach. He then went on to become the Minnesota Vikings Head Coach where he led the team to their biggest turnaround in team history. In 2021, as the Buffalo Bills Defensive Coordinator/ Assistant Head Coach, the Bills won the AFC East with an 11-6 record. His defensive unit was #1 in scoring and total defense, and also featured two Pro Bowlers and one All-Pro.
Leslie Frazier
Buffalo Bills
Defensive Coordinator
2021 Professional Coach of the Year Recipient
Coach Bruce Arians represents character and excellence both on and off the field. He has been praised and recognized often for his diversity efforts within the game of football. This season, not only did Coach Arians' staff in Tampa Bay stand as the only team with all Black coordinators, it was also the only staff in the league with multiple full-time female coaches. The two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year has been dedicated to working for inclusivity in the ranks of professional coaching. But while Coach Arians has been a champion of equity off the field, he has also been a champion coach on the field. During the most recent NFL season, Coach Arians and his diverse coaching staff won the Super Bowl.
Bruce Arians
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Head Coach
College Coach of the Year
Criteria and Eligibility: This award is given annually to a football coach at the college level. The purpose of this award is to honor a minority coach who has excelled on the field and had an exemplar season or a coach who has used his position to advance diversity in the college ranks. This honoree demonstrates integrity, character, and excellence both on and off the field.
2026 College Coach of the Year Recipient
In his first season as head football coach at Kennesaw State University, Jerry Mack engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in modern college football, making him a highly deserving candidate for the College Coach of the Year honor.
Taking over a program that finished 2–10 in 2024, Mack led the Owls to an extraordinary 10–4 overall record and a Conference USA Championship in 2025. Under his leadership, Kennesaw State defeated defending champion Jacksonville State to claim the league title in just the program’s second year of FBS play - an accomplishment highlighted as one of the most impressive reversals of fortune in all of sports last year.
Mack’s influence extended beyond wins and losses. He was rightfully named Conference USA Coach of the Year, a finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award, and a semifinalist for the George Munger National Coach of the Year honor, reflecting national recognition of his strategic vision and leadership.
His leadership style emphasizes player development, culture building, and resilience—transforming a roster with significant turnover into a disciplined, competitive team that defied expectations. Mack’s work at Kennesaw State embodies the Coalition’s values of opportunity, mentorship, and excellence, and his success in a transformational season sets a standard for leadership in college football.
For his exceptional coaching performance, his impact on athletes, and his role in elevating the Owls’ program to championship status, Jerry Mack is uniquely worthy of the Coach of the Year distinction.
Jerry Mack
Kennesaw State
Head Coach
2025 College Coach of the Year Recipient
Marcus Freeman is a former linebacker and one of college football’s most promising head coaches. A standout player at Ohio State, Freeman was a two-time All-Big Ten selection before being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2009. However, his playing career was cut short due to a medical condition, leading him to transition into coaching. He quickly climbed the ranks as a defensive coach, making a name for himself with stops at Kent State, Purdue, and Cincinnati, where he built one of the nation’s top defenses as the Bearcats' defensive coordinator.
In 2021, Freeman joined Notre Dame as the defensive coordinator before being named the head coach in 2022, making history as the second Black head coach in the program’s storied history. Known for his energy, leadership, and ability to connect with players, Freeman guided the Fighting Irish to back-to-back strong seasons, including major bowl game appearances. His commitment to developing disciplined, aggressive defenses and fostering a winning culture has solidified him as one of the top young coaches in the country. This season Freeman made history becoming the first Black and the first Asian head coach to lead his team to a National Championship berth.
Beyond the Xs and Os, Freeman is deeply invested in player development and leadership growth. As a member of the inaugural Coalition Academy, he serves as a role model for aspiring minority coaches, proving that with opportunity and preparation, success at the highest level is possible. With a bright future ahead, Marcus Freeman continues to inspire both on and off the field, shaping the next generation of college football players and leaders.
Marcus Freeman
Notre Dame
Head Coach
2024 College Coach of the Year Recipient
Willie Simmons started his career as a Head Coach after being hired by Prairie View A&M to run their program. In his three seasons at the helm, Coach Simmons compiled a 21-11 overall record and 19-6 record in conference play. In 2018, Coach Simmons was hired by Florida A&M to help turnaround their program. In his first season he broke the Rattlers streak of 7 losing seasons and earned 2nd place in the MEAC. The next season the Rattlers won the MEAC and ended the season ranked 23 in the FCS Polls.
Simmons led FAMU into their first season in the SWAC with a 9-3 record that was good enough to earn them a #24 ranking in the FCS Polls, as well as a FCS Playoff Berth, the first in school history. That team also produced FAMU’s first NFL player in 8 years (Markquese Bell, Dallas Cowboys).
This past season, Coach Simmons led the Rattlers to a season of firsts and broken records. FAMU went undefeated in SWAC play, securing the SWAC Championship and their spot in the Celebration Bowl. He had two players win SWAC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year along with 4 FCS All-Americans. The Rattlers went on to win their first Celebration Bowl in school history in a 30-23 victory.
Willie Simmons
Duke University
Running Back Coach
2023 College Coach of the Year Recipient
Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders was recently named the 28th full-time head football coach at the University of Colorado. Sanders joins the Colorado program from Jackson State University, where in three seasons the team compiled a 27-5 record and won back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference championships competing on the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level; that mark includes an 11-2 record in 2021 and 12-0 record in 2022. At Jackson State, Sanders achieved tremendous success on and off the field as a fierce advocate for additional exposure and a level playing field for all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Sanders brought national attention to HBCUs, pushing for opportunities to highlight its talent and the culture. In 2022, Jackson State became the first HBCU to have its spring football game televised live nationally. Sanders was named the 21st head coach in Jackson State history in 2020. He incurred only one regular season loss over his last 25 games. Sanders was voted the SWAC’s Coach of the Year for a second straight season in 2022; 12 of his players earned some level of All-SWAC honors. For the 2021 campaign, he also garnered honors for the FCS Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year and Black College Hall of Fame Coach of the Year.
Deion Sanders
University of Colorado
Head Coach
2022 College Coach of the Year Recipient
Mel Tucker took over the Michigan State Football program in 2020. After an abbreviated 2020 season due to Covid-19, Coach Tucker and the Spartans had a season that will go down in Michigan State history. By taking the Spartans from a 2-win season to an 11-win season Coach Tucker pulled off the biggest turnaround in school history. The team entered the AP top 10 for the first time since 2016, finishing 9th in the country. To cap off the season, Michigan State earned a berth in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl, where they would go on to beat Pittsburgh 31-21. The success over the 2021 season also earned Coach Tucker the Big 10 Coach of the Year honor and a contract extension keeping him at MSU for the next 10 years.
Mel Tucker
Michigan State University
Head Coach
2021 College Coach of the Year Recipient
In his 4th season as the head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack football team, Coach Jay Norvell led his team to a 7-2 season culminating with a win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. This was a season that garnered much praise and recognition for his coaching, especially after coaching this season with a heavy heart after losing his father just days before the season opener. His ability to lock in and focus through adversity was a true testament to his mental and emotional fortitude. The Senior Norvell, one of the nation’s first black athletic directors, fought for and mentored the under-represented and founded the National Association of Coaching Equity and Development. Coach Norvell has taken that same spirit and determination to not only successfully lead his football team, but to also to advance those same causes for equity. He has been a true supporter of the Coalition as he has gone out of his way to lend his time and efforts as a mentor. In addition to having a great season on the field, he embodies the core values of the Coalition and helps drive the important mission.
Jay Norvell
Colorado State University
Head Coach
High School Coach of the Year
Criteria and Eligibility: This award is given annually to a football coach at the high school level. The purpose of this award is to honor a minority coach who has excelled on the field and had an exemplar season or a coach who has used his position to advance diversity in the high school ranks. This honoree demonstrates integrity, character, and excellence both on and off the field.
2026 High School Coach of the Year Recipient Presented By Events DC
Bryant Appling has established himself as one of the most successful and impactful high school football coaches in the nation, making him an outstanding candidate for the High School Coach of the Year honor. In the 2025 season, Appling led Buford High School to an undefeated 15-0 record, a dominant statewide run, and a Class 6A Georgia State Championship, culminating in national recognition as the USA TODAY Sports national champions - a first-ever national title for the program.
Appling’s contributions extend far beyond a remarkable win-loss tally. After serving 15 seasons as an assistant within the Buford program, he became head coach in 2019 and immediately made history as the first coach in Georgia High School Association history to win three consecutive state championships in his first three seasons at the helm. His leadership has maintained Buford’s tradition of excellence while elevating the program to new heights, guiding his teams through transitions into higher classifications and nurturing young athletes both on and off the field.
Appling’s influence is reflected not only in championships but in the recognition he has received from the broader high school football community, including selection as a finalist for the Navy All-American Bowl Coach of the Year Award.
Through sustained competitive excellence, program development, and mentorship of student-athletes, Bryant Appling embodies the values of leadership, opportunity, and commitment that the Coalition seeks to honor in its High School Coach of the Year.
Bryant Appling
Buford High School (GA)
Head Coach
2025 High School Coach of the Year Recipient
Brent Browner is a distinguished high school football coach renowned for his leadership at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. In January 2020, he was promoted from defensive backs coach to head coach, succeeding Kenny Sanchez, who had led the team to multiple state championships.
Under Browner's guidance, Bishop Gorman's football program has continued its tradition of excellence. In December 2024, the team won a national title, marking their fourth consecutive national championship, underscoring Browner's effective coaching and the program's sustained success. Bishop Gorman finished the season ranked 4th nationally.
Browner's coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to student-athletes’ personal growth. His tenure at Bishop Gorman reflects a dedication to maintaining the school's reputation as a powerhouse in high school football.
Brent Browner
Bishop Gorman High School (NV)
Head Coach
2024 High School Coach of the Year Recipient
Claude Mathis was a standout running back at Texas State University earning All-American honors all four seasons there and went on to play in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. After his playing days were over Coach Mathis began his career coaching and had stints as head coach at Anderson, Somerville, and Austin LBJ High Schools.
In 2008, Coach Mathis took over at Desoto High School where he was able to turn them into a powerhouse. In his first stint at Desoto, he was able to compile a 74-18 record with multiple district championships and state quarterfinals appearances. This success led him to being hired as SMU’s RB Coach, where he coached talented RBs Braeden West and Xavier Jones with the latter breaking the SMU Freshman Rushing TD record.
After two years with SMU, Coach Mathis went back to coaching high school and spent a short stint at Marshall High School before returning to Desoto. In 2022, Coach Mathis was able to become the first Black coach to win a 6A Division 2 State Championship and win his first State title as a coach. This past season, he lead Desoto to a 15-0 record and their second consecutive 6A Division 2 State Championship with a decisive 74-14 victory. Desoto was ranked #5 nationally at the end of the 2023 season.
Claude Mathis
Desoto High School (TX)
Head Coach
2023 High School Coach of the Year Recipient
Ted Ginn, Sr. began his coaching tenure as a volunteer assistant football coach at Glenville High School. After 10 years as an unpaid assistant, he went on the coaching payroll in 1986. Ginn assumed the head coaching duties in 1997. In 1999, Glenville became the first Cleveland public school to qualify for the state football playoffs and went on to the playoffs 11 times over the next 12 years,
becoming state runner-up in 2009. Ginn has not lost a conference game since 2000. While Glenville has been a nationally prominent program since the early-2000s, it was this past season that the team captured its first state title. With the win, Glenville became the first school from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to win a football state championship in the playoff era. More than 50 of his athletes have been awarded full college scholarships, including his son, Ted Jr., and several of his players have gone on to play professional football. In addition to his efforts on the field, Ginn has been praised for his efforts and mentorship off of it. In 2007, he helped establish the Ginn Academy, an all-boys high school for urban youth in the greater Cleveland area. In addition to coaching football, Ginn also coached the Glenville track team to five straight
state championships.
Ted Ginn Sr.
Glenville High School (OH)
Head Coach
2022 High School Coach of the Year Recipient
Messay Hailemariam spent 4 years as an assistant for St. Frances Academy as it dominated the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association. In 2021, Coach Hailemariam took over the program and the Panthers did not miss a beat. In their third full season playing a national schedule Coach Hailemariam and the Panthers went 8-1 outscoring their opponents 355-131. By the end of the season, St. Frances was ranked 4th in the entire country by MaxPrep and USA Today. The team also has 8 of Maryland’s top 20 recruits according to ESPN, including 3 ESPN300 recruits. But most importantly, Coach Hailemariam was able to lead his athletes on and off the field through the tragic loss of a teammate; showing how much bigger coaching is than just wins on the field.
Messay Hailemariam
St. Frances Academy (MD)
Head Coach
2021 High School Coach of the Year Recipient
After spending 28 years as an assistant coach at McClymonds High School in Oakland California, Coach Michael Peters became the head coach 5 years ago. Since then, he has simply won three straight state titles. This accomplishment made McClymond the first California public school to win three straight titles since 1920. This is even more impressive when you consider that McClymmonds is an inner-city school with extremely limited resources and only has an enrollment of 300 students. Beyond his tremendous success on the field his commitment to his players, the school and the community is also worthy of recognition.
Michael Peters
McClydmond High School (CA)
Head Coach
Media Award
Criteria and Eligibility: This award is given annually to a sportswriter, analyst, or commentator who elevates the discussion around greater diversity in football and sports in general. This award recognizes a media figure who has continually championed equity and inclusion at the highest levels of sports.
2026 Media Award Recipient
The Pivot Podcast is a highly regarded sports and culture podcast that brings a fresh perspective to conversations around athletes, coaches, success, and personal stories. Hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder, the show offers an authentic and unfiltered look into the lives of athletes and coaches both on and off the field. With their unique backgrounds and experiences, the trio provides insightful commentary and engaging interviews with some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and business.
What sets The Pivot Podcast apart is the hosts' ability to go beyond the surface, diving into the personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs of their guests. They discuss everything from the pressures of professional sports to the mental and emotional challenges athletes face. This raw and honest approach has earned the podcast a loyal following, as fans appreciate the vulnerability and relatability of the discussions.
Since its inception, The Pivot Podcast has grown in popularity, becoming a platform where listeners not only hear from sports figures but also gain valuable life lessons. The hosts' chemistry and deep understanding of the world of professional sports make each episode both entertaining and educational. With a diverse array of guests and thought-provoking conversations, The Pivot continues to be a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in the stories behind the athletes and coaches they admire.
Richard Johnson
CBS Sports
Writer
2025 Media Award Recipient
The Pivot Podcast is a highly regarded sports and culture podcast that brings a fresh perspective to conversations around athletes, coaches, success, and personal stories. Hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder, the show offers an authentic and unfiltered look into the lives of athletes and coaches both on and off the field. With their unique backgrounds and experiences, the trio provides insightful commentary and engaging interviews with some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and business.
What sets The Pivot Podcast apart is the hosts' ability to go beyond the surface, diving into the personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs of their guests. They discuss everything from the pressures of professional sports to the mental and emotional challenges athletes face. This raw and honest approach has earned the podcast a loyal following, as fans appreciate the vulnerability and relatability of the discussions.
Since its inception, The Pivot Podcast has grown in popularity, becoming a platform where listeners not only hear from sports figures but also gain valuable life lessons. The hosts' chemistry and deep understanding of the world of professional sports make each episode both entertaining and educational. With a diverse array of guests and thought-provoking conversations, The Pivot continues to be a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in the stories behind the athletes and coaches they admire.
The Pivot Podcast
2024 Media Award Recipient
graduate of Michigan State University, Jemele Hill’s journalism career started off as a writer for the Raleigh News & Observer before she returned to Michigan as a writer for the Detroit Free Press covering Michigan State football and basketball. She then went on to become a columnist for the Orlando Sentinel before joining ESPN. Hill made regular appearances on ESPN programs like SportsCenter, First Take, and Outside The Lines. She went on to become a co-host on the evening edition of SportsCenter.
One of the many topics Jemele Hill covers is race and its intersectionality with sports. She has written on the effects race has on the NFL hiring cycle along with covering the NFL’s response to the Colin Kaepernick protests. She has long been a staple in sports media that is willing to cover tough topics in the industry regarding race. In 2018, Hill was recognized by the National Association of Black Journalist as Journalist of the Year, an award given to a journalist "who has amassed a distinguished body of work with extraordinary depth, scope and significance to the people of the African Diaspora."
Now as a writer for The Atlantic, Hill continues to use her voice and pen to facilitate conversations on change and what it will take to see equity in sports.
Jemele Hill
The ATLANTIC
Writer
2023 Media Award Recipient Presented by KinderCare
Shalise Manza Young is an award-winning journalist who joined Yahoo Sports in 2015 after almost a decade covering the New England Patriots for the Boston Globe and the Providence Journal. She began her career as an intern at the Providence Journal and moved up the ranks, covering high school sports, college sports, and eventually the Patriots. A prominent writer, especially in covering the NFL, Young has been an impactful voice on race and gender-related issues in football. She has used her dynamic writing skills to continually probe the lack of diversity in football leadership. In fact, this compelling work has been recognized with awards from the Pro Football Writers of America. Most recently Young participated in the Coalition’s summit to address systemic racism in football hiring practices on the heels of the Brian Flores lawsuit against the NFL. During the offseason, Young has doubled as a track and field coach where she has discovered a passion for coaching and mentoring young girls.
Shalise Manza Young
Yahoo! Sports
National Columnist
2022 Media Award Recipient
As a journalist, Michael Smith has consistently elevated the discussion around equity and inclusion in sports. In his 15 years at ESPN, he displayed journalistic excellence while making sports coverage inclusive and relatable to a broader audience. Since then, he has co-founded a multimedia company in an effort to continue to provide inclusive coverage and tell the stories that are often not covered. Smith has been a true ally, giving the Coalition’s efforts important recognition on his sports talk show, Brother from Another, and moderating the Coalition’s recent summit to address systemic racism in football hiring practices. Most importantly, Smith has consistently demonstrated a commitment to using his platform to advance the issue of equity and inclusion in sports.
Michael Smith
NBC Sports
Journalist
2021 Media Award Recipient
Since graduating from Howard University in 1986 with a degree in Communications, Jim Trotter has become one of the most respected journalists in NFL circles. He has been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee since 2007 and is currently the president of the Pro Football Writers of America. Whether in a published article or a tweet, his writing shows that he is equally brilliant as he is fearless in calling out societal racial issues that exist in sports. He covers a wide range of stories across the NFL, including how players in the league are pushing for both racial justice and change inside and outside football. He recently wrote a commentary on why he felt that the national media owed Colin Kaepernick an apology for the way they covered his kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality against people of color. With the staggeringly low numbers of people of color represented in print journalism, the importance of recognizing the work of those who are not afraid to write the truth cannot be understated.
Jim Trotter
The Athletic
National Columnist
Advocate Award
Criteria and Eligibility: This award is given to an individual or organization that has been a true champion of the NCMFC’s mission to diversify the leadership ranks of football. This individual or organization has been a partner that has gone above and beyond to not only support NCMFC programs, but to also support its individual members in reaching their professional goals.
2026 Advocate Award Recipient
The United Football League (UFL) has quickly emerged as a standout partner to the Coalition, embodying a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, development, and diversity within the coaching ranks. Since its formation in 2024 through the merger of the XFL and USFL into a unified spring professional football league, the UFL has positioned itself as an innovative platform for players, coaches, and football professionals alike.
A cornerstone of the partnership between the Coalition and UFL is the Coalition Coaching Fellowship, a multi-year initiative that provides high school coaches with real, hands-on professional development experience at the next level of the sport. As fellows work directly alongside UFL coaching staffs - helping train players and build weekly game plans that contribute on offense, defense, and special teams - the program exemplifies how collaborative action can remove barriers and create pathways to advancement.
The UFL’s commitment to the fellowship has expanded year after year, bringing the program to all eight league markets. This sustained support not only aligns with the Coalition’s mission to diversify leadership in football but also reflects a proactive strategy to make meaningful change in the sport’s professional landscape.
By leveraging its platform, resources, and dedication to development, the UFL has become an indispensable advocate for coaches in the Coalition, making it a highly deserving recipient of the Advocacy Award.
The UFL (Accepted by Doug Whaley & David Dykeman)
2025 Advocate Award Recipient
Rick George is a prominent figure in collegiate athletics, currently serving as the Athletic Director at the University of Colorado. Appointed in 2013, George has overseen the university's athletic department, leading it through significant transformations both on and off the field. His leadership style is marked by a commitment to excellence in student-athlete development, academic success, and a focus on fostering diversity and inclusion across all sports programs.
One of George's most notable achievements as Athletic Director has been his role in diversifying the coaching staff at Colorado. In 2023, he hired Deion Sanders to be the school’s 25th Head Football Coach. The move was a significant step in promoting diversity within major college football coaching ranks. Sanders was the first HBCU head coach hired by a Power 4 program and the fourth Black head coach hired by George.
Rick George's tenure at Colorado has also been defined by his dedication to enhancing the overall athletic experience. His strategic vision has included the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the strengthening of the university's athletic brand. With a focus on long-term sustainability and success, George continues to lead Colorado Athletics with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, and excellence.
Rick George
University of Colorado
Athletic Director
2024 Advocate Award Recipient
Before Sandra Douglass Morgan entered the sports world, she was an influential figure in Las Vegas as the chairwomen of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, as well as, a Commissioner on the Nevada State Athletic Commission and was the first Black City Attorney in the State of Nevada. As the Chairwomen of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, she ensured that gaming licensees adopted policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment.
Douglass Morgan was named the Las Vegas Raiders’ President in 2022 making her the first Black women to become an NFL President. In her short time as President, she has been a strong advocate of our cause including hosting the Coalition at Allegiant Stadium and giving remarks about the importance of diversity in sports during last year’s convention. Douglass Morgan and the Raiders also hosted local students to expose them to the different opportunities for young men and ladies and emphasized the importance of inclusion in what they do. This past season, the Raiders and Douglass Morgan made history as she was a part of the first trio of a Black President, General Manager, and Head Coach in NFL history.
Sandra Douglass Morgan
Las Vegas Raiders
President
2023 Advocate Award Recipient
Under Armour was founded by Kevin Plank, a former University of Maryland football player who was tired of sweating through his shirts at practice. He set out to create moisture-wicking sports apparel that would keep athletes cool and dry while they exercised. After a number of attempts, he created his first prototype, a form-fitting garment made from a stretchable fabric that launched Under Armour. Today, Under Armour is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and equipment. Because Under Armour believes sport is a great unifier, it doesn’t sit on the sidelines, but works towards fairness and equity for all involved. This is the reason Under Armour has partnered with the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches to prepare, promote and produce the next generation of sports leaders. Under Armour has announced a $1.5 million commitment to the Coalition, which has positioned the organization to make important strides in diversifying the sidelines. Most recently, this support helped the Coalition launch a nationally recognized academy that has successfully positioned many minority football coaches for leadership advancement.
Kevin Plank
Under Armour
Chairman
2022 Advocate Award Recipient
Melvin Powell is a Vice President at SAP, the world’s third largest software company. In addition to being responsible for defining and overseeing the customer experience strategy and execution for the East Market Unit at SAP, Mr. Powell is also the creator and prime organizer of the Coalition’s Drive for Diversity charity golf series, which constitutes the biggest annual fundraising effort for the organization. Through the support of SAP, Melvin has tirelessly driven participation and sponsorship for these events, and in turn, made it possible for the Coalition to advance its mission to bring greater equity and inclusion to sports.
Melvin Powell
SAP
Regional Vice President
2021 Advocacy Award Recipient
Alonzo Carter has been tirelessly promoting and supporting the NCMFC. As a newly launched nonprofit, the NCMFC has seen exponential growth in just a few short months. Coach Carter has played an important role in this growth, not only recruiting new members, but also helping to organize trainings, advertise events, and mentor rising minority coaches. He has been a leading advocate of our mission, a top advisor to our executive staff, and a selfless guide to our members.
Alonzo Carter
San Jose State University
Assistant Head Coach and Running Backs Coach
