oct 3, 1989 - Art Shell

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Shell was the first African-American to serve as a head coach in the modern NFL when the Los Angeles Raiders hired him in 1989. Only Fritz Pollard, who served as the Akron Pros' co-head coach in 1921, came before him. Shell was voted AFC Coach of the Year in 1990 after leading the Raiders to a 12-4 record and the AFC West title. Shell was also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and an eight-time Pro Bowl selection as a player.

Shortly after, the NFL passed a rule requiring teams to interview two minority candidates for head coaching positions. This later expanded to include general managers and offensive and defensive coordinators. The policy produced positive results including a rise in Black and Latino coaches in the league.

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