In 2004 the SEC head coaching color line was broken when Sylvester Crooms became the head coach at Mississippi State. He resigned in 2008 before the second and third African-American head coaches were hired in the persons of Kentucky second year coach Joker Phillips and Vandy's James Franklin who is in his rookie season. .
Interestingly enough, the three Kentucky schools that play FBS level football all have African-American head coaches. Floyd Keith, the executive director of the Black Coaches and Administrators noted that around 11 percent of FBS and Football Championship Subdivision football coaches are African-American While two black college football coaches facing off is still a rarity, times have changed. "It's not as unique as it used to be and I think that's a sign of progress," said Keith. "That's a good thing."
But it is in the SEC since they only just broke the college football head coaching color line in the 21st century and it will be more noteworthy when an elite SEC program like an LSU, Auburn or Alabama hires an African American to run that team. But back to the historic match up that is happening in Nashville. Both teams are coming in with 4-5 records and the winner will not only even their records at 5-5 but keep their bowl hopes alive.
Best of luck to both of you in this historic game.
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