The program has brought more than 1,300 minority coaches into NFL training camps. Walsh introduced the concept in 1987 when he brought a group of coaches to 49ers training camp in Rocklin.
"Bill knew it was important to create these opportunities, so we'd go into our meetings and there would be a young minority coach sitting with us," former 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark said.
The program grew to the point that now every NFL team participates in it at every training camp. Last summer, 90 minority coaches were invited to NFL camps. They were responsible for planning and participating in practice sessions, working with players. They also were able to learning from coaches with more experience.
"Bill Walsh is known for his 'coaching tree' that produced many NFL coaches such as Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren and Dennis Green," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. "But that tree has even more branches because of Bill's initiation of the minority internship. That is why the program will now bear his name."
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, whose teams faces the Cardinals on Sunday in Super Bowl 43, is the youngest head coach (36) in Super Bowl history. He is a graduate of the internship and endorses its efficacy.
Tomlin interned with the Cleveland Browns in the summer of 2000 when he was the defensive backs coach at the
"I came into the league as a minority intern with the Browns when I coached college football," Tomlin said this week. "That was a great avenue to expose the NFL to me. Really, prior to that, I had no intentions whatsoever of coaching in the NFL. I left that internship committed to coaching in the league because it was such a positive experience."
The newest minority internship grad is new Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris, just appointed on January 17. Morris -- the youngest head coach in the NFL at 32 -- interned with the New York Jets in 2001 when he was the defensive backs coach at
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and former Chiefs coach Herm Edwards also got their starts in the program.
* * *
Hey Matt, Singletary was first hired by Brian Billick, right? Was Brian Billick from the Bill Walsh coaching tree?
Just a fan:
here you go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Walsh_(football_coach)
Thank you, that was awesome!
Yes, he was.
I could be wrong but I don't believe Billick actually coached with the 9ers. He worked in the PR department and helped Walsh write a book. I guess that could be considered part of the Walsh coaching tree but he wasn't part of the 9ers coaching staff under Walsh.
I think I knew he wasn't a direct branch. It is kinda cool that he was indirectly connected.
We were really spoiled with Bill Walsh as our coach. Brought a lot of goodwill not only here in SF but all over the NFL as well.
Hey Matt, I'm not sure if you have been covering the Niners that long, but as far back as you can remember, do you know if there was a controversy surrounding the hiring of BW to the Niners?
Ok....Finally some good news on the matty blog.
Bill Walsh was coming off a successful two years as Stanford's Head Coach where he had two winning seasons and two bowl appearances. He was greeted warmly by most Niners fans. We all got that something good was happening.
Hey matt heard part of your segment with Razor and Mr T while on the road. it was cute when your daughter cut into the line and punched a button then gave ralph and tom the cold shoulder haha. You won't have to worry about that one talking to strangers =). Anyways what was that whole deal with the Jrs and IIs? that wasn't a carry over from brooks was it? It surprised me that you weren't on the fitz and brooks segment since you were a regular on their show, and their mojo brought me to your blog haha.
On to the topic, it's great that they have this program because if you look at how many minority head coaches in football it's really shocking how bad it is for minorities to get head coaching gigs. it's especially apparent in collegiate levels. without programs like this, I'd think it'd be nearly impossible for coaches to even get a shot and become one of the greats like tomlin is on track to being.
Great article, but one question comes up. Can "white" coaches attend, or are they being discriminated against?
Did you guys see this? Very Intriguing stuff - Coach Sing brought his coaches two finalist and said "You decide":
In a KNBR interview yesterday with Jim Trotter, the SI reporter, said that before Mike Singletary made his final choice for offensive coordinator, he brought the two finalists, Raye and Hue Jackson, and had them sit down and talk football with the rest of his assistants, both offensive and defensive. After the session, Singletary then asked the assistants to make a choice. According to Trotter, it was unanimous in favor of Raye.