'Why Are We Talking About Minorities?' Geno Smith Clarifies Dave Canales Coach Hiring Remarks

'Why Are We Talking About Minorities?' Seattle Seahawks Geno Smith Clarifies Dave Canales Coach Hiring Remarks

The NFL is presently getting a great deal of credit for making progress in the area of hiring people of color as head coaches. But even after four of the first six head coaching vacancies have been filled by minority candidates, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is less encouraged, believing there is more progress to be made.

In an attempt to make clear his recent remark - "Why are we still talking about minorities?'' - Smith took to Twitter.

"To clarify,'' the Seattle QB wrote, "I’m not moved or encouraged by a few more minorities having jobs that they are more than qualified for.. true equality means that the conversation is no longer being had, based on the fact that we are all being given equal opportunity (which we are not)."

To clarify - I’m not moved or encouraged by a few more minorities having jobs that they are more than qualified for.. true equality means that the conversation is no longer being had, based on the fact that we are all being given equal opportunity (which we are not). https://t.co/CwPqt3dcE0

— Geno (@GenoSmith3) January 26, 2024

It was obvious to most of us what his original intent was; he wasn't bashing Dave Canales, who moves from the Seahawks to take the top job with the Carolina Panthers. 

Canales, Smith said, is "a phenomenal coach who loves ball, loves people, he loves to coach, loves to teach. He's patient. He's understanding. And also, he's a guy who's ever-evolving. He understands that you got to continue to improve. So, he's the guy who's going to focus on the process, not just the result. And I think that process is daily improvement. And I think that'll help any organization or any player."

Nor was he dismissing the importance of the issue.

Rather, of course, he was wishing it simply wasn't an issue at all.

At this time, around a quarter of the league's head coaches come from a minority background. That represents the highest number in league history, with two head coaching vacancies left to fill. ... though it clearly falls short of Smith's vision of "true equity.''