Black leadership at head coach, QB to be more visible than ever during NFL playoffs

By CLIFF BRUNT
AP Sports Writer

This year’s NFL playoffs will feature a record number of Black men who have thrived in leadership positions they rarely were given the chance to hold in previous generations. Three Black head coaches have reached the playoffs, including Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles and Houston’s DeMeco Ryans. No more than three Black coaches have reached the playoffs in any previous season. An all-time high of six Black quarterbacks are starting for playoff teams. They are Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, Dallas’ Dak Prescott, Green Bay’s Jordan Love and Houston’s C.J. Stroud.