The National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC) has a board made up of some of the biggest names in the sport – and some strong Alabama ties.

Sylvester Croom is on the executive committee of the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The new organization is led by Michael Locksley, the University of Maryland head football coach and a former offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama under Nick Saban. Saban is on the board of directors along with Ozzie Newsome, a former Crimson Tide player under Paul “Bear” Bryant and a trailblazer in the NFL as the first Black general manager. Sylvester Croom, another former Crimson Tide player under Bryant who also coached for him and was the head coach at Mississippi State University, is on the NCMFC executive committee.

Locksley founded NCMFC to create “a multi-pronged effort to remove roadblocks, increase awareness and spur action toward fair and equitable hiring at all levels of football,” according to a release.

The current movement for racial equality and social justice spurred Locksley to take the action.

“I have dedicated the better part of my 25-year coaching career to leveling the playing field for minority coaches everywhere,” Locksley said. “I worked hard to create opportunities in my career, sometimes with assistance from others, but more often through my own perseverance. I have learned many things. I have benefited from those who have gone before me so I feel a sense of obligation to help others.”

The organization’s goals are to “prepare, promote and produce qualified minority coaches to ascend in the ranks of college and professional football.”

Nick Saban is on the board of the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches. (Kent Gidley/University of Alabama Athletics)

Saban is supportive of those goals.

“In this moment in history, we cannot be silent: We must speak up for our brothers and sisters and our sons and daughters,” Saban said. “In agreeing to serve on the NCMFC’s board, I want to contribute to the effort to make sure the playing field is balanced for all, including minorities who seek leadership positions as coaches.”

In addition to Locksley, Saban and Newsome, the board of directors includes Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin; former collegiate coach Doug Williams, who was the first Black quarterback Super Bowl MVP; South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough; the first Black NCAA Division 1A head coach Willie Jeffries; former NFL GM and two-time Super Bowl winner Rick Smith; Super Bowl-winning former general manager Bill Polian; pioneering athletic director Debbie Yow; the first Hispanic female athletic director (UNLV) Desiree Reed-Francois; and Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier.

“When Locks called me about the NCMFC, told me about his vision and asked me to be part of it, I said sign me up,” Tomlin said. “It’s a no-brainer.”

BALTIMORE – 2006: Ozzie Newsome is a former Crimson Tide star and the first Black NFL general manager at the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Getty Images)

Of 130 Football Bowl Subdivision-eligible schools, 14 head coaches are minorities, the NCMFC said. Tomlin is one of three Black NFL head coaches out of 32 teams.

Locksley said the hope is that board members of NCMFC will advocate for minority coaches as well as help make the business case for diversity. The organization intends to offer educational, professional development, networking opportunities to refine and develop all who are interested in coaching and promoting those coaches who are ready to take that next step.

The NCMFC intends to produce a list of coaching candidates deemed worthy and deserving of vacant coaching positions

“All we want is a chance to succeed or fail based on the merits and our God-given abilities,” Locksley said. “Many of us are denied that chance despite our qualifications.”