In a landmark moment for college football history, either James Franklin of Penn State or Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame is set to become the first Black head coach to win a national championship in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). This milestone comes a generation after similar breakthroughs in college basketball, where significant Black coaching achievements have been celebrated for decades. This historic matchup marks the beginning of a new chapter in college athletics, reflecting greater awareness of diversity in leadership positions.

The possibility of a Black head coach winning a national title is not only a significant achievement for both coaches but also a critical acknowledgment of the struggles that have historically hindered Black coaching representation in college football. Richard Lapchick, founder of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida, remarked, "The fact that we’re celebrating this — it is 2025. That’s a long time coming..." highlighting the substantial delay in achieving this diversity milestone compared to other sports like basketball.

The importance of this moment can be compared to earlier achievements in the NFL, where Tony Dungy became the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl in 2007. Both Franklin and Freeman have recognized how such breakthroughs can inspire future generations. Franklin reflected on the impact that Dungy and Lovie Smith had on the coaching profession, noting, "It was significant for young coaches coming up in the profession to see those guys in that role" (USA Today).

The path to the top for both coaches differs, but they share common experiences shaped by their backgrounds. Freeman described his role as a representation for many others, stating, "It’s an honor... I don’t take that for granted." His joining Notre Dame came after consecutive positions that not only showcased his ability but also reflected the importance of connections within the coaching community. Meanwhile, Franklin’s ascent as a successful head coach has been significant in improving the visibility of Black coaches at the highest levels (AP News).

While progress has been made, the overall percentages of Black head coaches in college football remain low, with only about 11.9% of head coaches being Black despite a majority of Black players in top-level college football. The disconnect between player diversity and coaching representation indicates deeper systemic issues within college athletics. As sentiments regarding diversity and hiring practices continue to evolve, the presence of role models like Franklin and Freeman serves as an essential step toward more inclusive leadership (AP News).

The event will mark a turning point not only for the winning coach but also for collegiate sports at large, where diversity in coaching remains a pressing concern. With opportunities such as the "Bill Russell Rule" in basketball acting as a potential model for furthering minority representation in football, there appears to be a slowly changing landscape in college athletics.

Whether Franklin or Freeman will etch their name in history as the first Black coach to win a national title remains to be seen, but you can be sure that this development in college football is one deserving celebration. As noted by Tyrone Willingham, the first Black head coach at Notre Dame, "It’s a first, and we should celebrate all firsts as long as they’re positive."