Brotherly love in the sports world: Coach Mike Flores hires Coach Brian Flores

There have only been a handful of Black head coaches in the history of the NFL. Showing why representation matters, one of the leading Black coaches in the game, Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburg Steelers, used his power to employ Brian Flores, who alleged he was unfairly treated and fired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Flores joins the Steelers as lead assistant coach of defensive linemen. Tomlin is not only looking out for a fellow Black man but hired a capable, winning candidate whose leadership can strengthen the field.

“I AM EXCITED ABOUT BRIAN FLORES JOINING OUR COACHING STAFF GIVEN HIS HISTORY OF DEVELOPING AND TEACHING DEFENSIVE PLAYERS DURING HIS TIME IN THE NFL,” TOMLIN SAID IN A PRESS CONFERENCE ON SATURDAY.

This example of respect and solidarity is rare in a industry when executive decisions are primarily made by White coaches and there are no Black owners.

Flores is moving forward with his discrimination law suit against the NFL.