The Indianapolis Colts announced the start of the new 'Tony Dungy Diversity Fellowship' program on Monday which will provide the opportunity for minority coaches to gain some beneficial experience in the league allowing them to progress in their coaching careers.
Dungy said he's happy the franchise is taking the step to diversify in the coaching ranks and hopes their actions can influence other teams to do the same.
"I am thrilled that the Colts are seeking to help build diversity and inclusion in NFL coaching by launching this Diversity Fellowship coaching program," Dungy said via the team's website. "It's a tremendous honor for me to be identified with the program. I applaud the Irsay family and the organization for taking this proactive step, and I hope it encourages other teams to look for ways to promote equal opportunities in the coaching ranks."
While one of the program's main focuses is to promote the team's diversity, equity and inclusion goals, the Colts also hope that the program can lead to early access to talented coaches that can help them win games. A 'Dungy Fellow' will be selected on offense and defense. The candidates will be selected by a committee consisting of Dungy, the Irsay family, GM Chris Ballard, and head coach Frank Reich.
Jim Irsay, the owner of the Colts, said the program honors Dungy's legendary trailblazing accomplishments, which he says is also a part of the franchises' rich history. Irsay then states that he hopes to program will help level the playing field for minority coaches.
"We're humbled and honored that Tony Dungy's trailblazing accomplishments are also a part of our rich Colts history, but none of us can afford to rest on our laurels when it comes to advancing fairness and opportunity in the NFL's coaching ranks," Colts owner & CEO Jim Irsay said. "That's why the Colts are so proud to create this fellowship in Tony's honor that will help level the playing field for those who want to coach, teach and lead."
Dungy was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 2016. The current NBC commentator was the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl and is the most successful coach in Colts franchise history. Before coaching in Indy, Dungy's first gig was in Tampa, where he would ultimately lay the groundwork for one of the best defenses in NFL history. Some say he's the main reason why the Bucs went on to win Super Bowl XXXVII with Jon Gruden back in 2003.
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The NFL has been facing the issue of having a lack of minorities as head coaches for some time now. The reason many who seek that the NFL diversify in the coaching ranks is the fact that the league is nearly 70% black, while only less than a handful of head coaches are of the same complexion when they lead their teams to battle on Sundays.
With the Brian Flores lawsuit likely forcing many teams to look into providing minority coaches more opportunities to coach, we'll see if the Colts' new program is successful.
Follow Jasper Jones on Twitter: @jonesj2342
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