International Journal of Sport Management

Examining Relationship between Managerial Career Advancement and Centrality, Race, and the Rooney Rule

Jeremy Foreman, Brian Soebbing, Chad Seifried, Kwame Agyemang

Abstract: Previous research regarding the relationship between managerial career advancement in the National Football League (NFL) and race, the Rooney Rule, and centrality (i.e., central position experience) was mixed or limited. The present study is designed to examine the aforementioned relationships in the NFL from 1984 through 2016. Using logistic regression models, evidence of racial disparities and centrality preferences are found; however, the implementation of the Rooney Rule does not significantly increase coaching diversity. Other determinants of promotions are also examined, such as individual and organizational performance, coaching experience, and age. Implications for sport and non-sport managers and organizations are discussed.

Keywords: promotion, labor, discrimination, diversity, policy

Citation: Foreman, J., Soebbing, B., Seifried, C., & Agyemang, K. (2018). Examining relationship between managerial career advancement and centrality, race, and the Rooney rule. International Journal of Sport Management, 19(3), 315-338.

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