Diversity-supporting organization launches inquiry with NFL regarding Indianapolis Colts hiring of white male, Jeff Saturday, as head coach despite zero coaching experience in the league
- Jeff Saturday was hired without any coaching experience at the NFL or CFB level
- Saturday’s appointment caused anger from many within the sports community
- The former Colts player is a white man, which caused angst among those who are proponents of diversity within the National Football League
- Saturday started his NFL coaching career with a win over the Raiders last week
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An organization which strives to support diversity in the NFL has reached out to the league, wanting to understand whether guidelines were followed prior to the Indianapolis Colts hiring Jeff Saturday.
Saturday, a Caucasian male, was shockingly hired as the Colts head coach on November 7 following the firing of Frank Reich.
The decision drew criticism from various angles and media commentators, largely because many coaches have labored for years without such an esteemed opportunity.
Now, the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA) is wanting an answer as to whether owner Jim Irsay’s hiring process was aligned with NFL hiring mechanisms.
Seemingly, their concerns relate to whether minority coaches were given a proper chance to put themselves forward before Saturday signed.
FPA released a statement Thursday, saying ‘in light of the recent interim head coaching hire in Indianapolis, the FPA has initiated an inquiry with the NFL into whether this hiring process conformed with NFL Hiring Guidelines for naming an interim Head Coach.’
Jeff Saturday claimed his first victory as an NFL first game during his debut game last Sunday
Saturday was hired without any coaching experience at the professional and college level. Though, he had previously coached high school football in Georgia at Hebron Christian Academy.
While Saturday may not have had coaching experience at the pro level, he was a six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLI champion following an illustrious 14-year NFL career.
Prior to his enshrinement into the Colts hot seat, Saturday had been a football analyst for ESPN. He is the first media member to move from the broadcast chair to an NFL head coach’s headset.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay (L) has endured immense scrutiny for the appointment
The NFL’s controversial Rooney Rule – which requires franchises to interview a minimum of two minority coaching candidates – does not apply to interim head coaching hires.
DailyMail.com’s request for comment from FPA and Executive Director, Rod Graves, for comment was not immediately returned.
Despite the wave of controversy, Saturday and the Colts stormed to a victory over the 25-20 Las Vegas Raiders win in Nevada.
They have an opportunity to go 2-0 in the Saturday era this Sunday when they travel to the 8-1 Philadelphia Eagles.
Saturday got the better of under-fire Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels in Nevada
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