african-american head coaches (answered)

[Arlo]

Who was the last African-American head coach in the NFL before Art Shell was hired to lead the Raiders in 1989?

[Dazedncnfz]

Is this a trick question???...I thought Art Shell was the first African-American head coach in the NFL....so my answer would be ..nobody...there was no one before him

[Arlo]

Would I ever ask a trick question?

You might have to go back a ways, though...

[ScreamingWeasel]

I rember Fritz Pollard was the first black player ever to play in the Rose Bowl - and I believe he went on to coach "pro".
This was way back in the 1920's or something, before blacks were banned in the 1930's.
I'm not sure it was strictly called the NFL then.
I think the Bears, Cards and Canton BullDogs were around at that time - so maybe it was.<br><br><span class=gensmall>Accepted as answer by Arlo on 19 May 2003 11:44 am EST.</span>

[Arlo]

Wow - I'm impressed.

Pollard did indeed coach in the NFL, way back in 1921 with the Akron Pros. Nice one!