Despite a report that the Cleveland Browns expressed interest in interviewing Condoleeza Rice for its head coaching job, both parties involved have denied those claims. The Browns’ general manager John Dorsey published a statement to quiet the rumors initially published by ESPN.
While stating that he has “the utmost respect and admiration” for Rice’s resume, the team is still searching for that certain someone. The Browns are, however, interested in interviewing a number of women to takeover from Hue Jackson.
Statement from GM John Dorsey: pic.twitter.com/aQExOzX0ge
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 18, 2018
The news reports also prompted the former Secretary of State to break her silence. The public figure took to Facebook to not only express her gratitude, but hope that more women will be considered for high-profile NFL positions.
“One doesn’t have to play the game to understand it and motivate players,” she wrote. “But experience counts — and it is time to develop a pool of experienced women coaches.” Rice’s advocacy for more women representation in the league stems back to 2012. The 64-year-old politician appeared in an ad campaign alongside athletic great Serena Williams for apparel catered toward women.
According to a February 2018 report, CBS revealed women make up a third of the league’s off-the-field positions. Anne Doepner, Minnesota Vikings’ team director of football administration, said she’s met adversity when it comes to rising in the NFL’s ranks.
“I’ve been challenged about the fact that I want to do this job, to my face. You know, I’ve had people say, ‘Why do you want to do this?’ ‘And why not?’ is what I say back,” Doepner said. “I think a lot of women think that, that it’s not a possibility or not something they would naturally consider doing because they don’t see other women doing it.”