The Cleveland Browns are reportedly interested in interviewing former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for the position of head coach.
Citing a league source and noting that Browns general manager John Dorsey spoke about the possibility of hiring a woman for the position, ESPN reports that Rice is on the list of potential candidates.
If interviewed, she would be the first woman to interview for an NFL head-coaching position.
Rice, a Browns fan, isn’t new to football or sports. She was an inaugural member of the College Football Playoff selection committee and helped select the four teams to play in those contests from 2013 to 2016. She recently headed up a commission that recommended massive changes to college basketball. Rice has also appeared in ads for the NFL wearing a No. 16 jersey for the Browns’ Josh Cribbs.
The Browns released a statement from Dorsey saying that Rice is a “great leader” and has the “highest possible character,” but denied that she is a head coach candidate. He did note, however, the team is in the “process” of developing their list of potential candidates.
Statement from GM John Dorsey: pic.twitter.com/aQExOzX0ge
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 18, 2018
Rice herself said she isn’t ready to coach in a Facebook post Sunday afternoon, but she did express hope for more women getting coaching jobs in the NFL in the future.
“I love my Browns — and I know they will hire an experienced coach to take us to the next level,” she said. On a more serious note, I do hope that the NFL will start to bring women into the coaching profession as position coaches and eventually coordinators and head coaches. One doesn’t have to play the game to understand it and motivate players. But experience counts — and it is time to develop a pool of experienced women coaches. BTW — I’m not ready to coach but I would like to call a play or two next season if the Browns need ideas! And at no time will I call for a ‘prevent defense.'”
The ESPN report also said speculation exists that Rice may have designs on succeeding Roger Goodell as commissioner of the NFL, the top position in the league.
Rice has been at the forefront of breaking new ground for women in politics. She was the first woman to serve as national security adviser and the second woman and first African-American woman to serve as secretary of state, both under former President George W. Bush.
