New York, NY—On January 9th, 2025, a historic moment will unfold in Miami at the Capital Orange Bowl, a prestigious college football event that has become a significant part of the sport’s landscape. Two of college football’s brightest minds—James Franklin, head coach of Penn State, and Marcus Freeman, head coach of Notre Dame—will lead their teams on a stage that many have worked tirelessly to reach. This year’s Orange Bowl is not only about the thrilling matchup on the field but also represents an important turning point in the narrative surrounding diversity, access, and representation in sports.
The Rise of Black Coaches in College Football
Franklin and Freeman’s presence at the Orange Bowl speaks volumes about the progress made by Black coaches in college football. Both coaches have shattered barriers in a predominantly white industry, climbing the ranks through talent, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Their careers embody the challenges and triumphs of Black coaches navigating a historically exclusionary space.
James Franklin made history when he became the first African American head coach at Penn State in 2014, a significant milestone in a sport where Black coaches have often been underrepresented. Over the years, Franklin has shown that Black coaches can not only sustain but also elevate powerhouse programs. Under his leadership, Penn State has been a consistent contender, proving that diverse leadership brings new perspectives, strategies, and vitality to the game.
Similarly, Marcus Freeman has quickly made his mark as the head coach of Notre Dame, taking over in 2022 and making an immediate impact. Freeman’s ascent is a testament to the potential for growth in college football when institutions are willing to invest in diverse leadership. His journey has resonated deeply within the Black community, offering hope and inspiration for the next generation of coaches.
While these two figures stand as examples of what is possible, they are also reminders of the work that still needs to be done to ensure greater opportunities for Black coaches at the highest levels of college football.
The Role of Black Publications in Elevating the Narrative
As Black coaches make strides toward greater representation in high-profile roles, it is crucial that Black media outlets have access to these significant moments. Historically, Black publications and media have faced barriers to entry at major sporting events, despite their vital role in amplifying the voices and stories of Black athletes, coaches, and communities.
For years, mainstream media has often overlooked or underrepresented the contributions of Black coaches, players, and staff. The lack of access to events like the Orange Bowl for Black journalists and media outlets has resulted in a skewed narrative that fails to fully reflect the diversity and richness of college football.
This year, 4.0 Sports Media & Entertainment will be on hand to cover the Orange Bowl, marking a crucial step toward greater inclusion and representation. By providing coverage from a Black perspective, 4.0 Sports Media & Entertainment will capture not only the excitement of the game but also the cultural significance of Black leadership in sports and the media.
The media outlet’s presence at this game and other major event symbolizes the growing importance of Black publications in shaping the discourse around college football, ensuring that the contributions of Black coaches, athletes, and fans are acknowledged and celebrated on a global stage.
Enriching and Enhancing the Culture
The convergence of Black coaches like Franklin and Freeman at the Orange Bowl, coupled with Black media’s growing presence at major events, is a cultural milestone that will undoubtedly enrich the college football landscape. Representation matters, and the inclusion of diverse voices both on the sidelines and in the press box enhances the cultural fabric of the sport.
Black coaches bring unique insights, experiences, and perspectives that can transform a program’s strategy, ethos, and impact on the community. Their leadership shapes the character of teams and fosters environments where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field. The influence of coaches like Franklin and Freeman extends beyond the X’s and O’s—they are mentors, role models, and symbols of perseverance for aspiring athletes and coaches of color.
Similarly, Black publications provide a platform for the stories that mainstream outlets often overlook. By covering major events like the Orange Bowl, these media outlets highlight the broader cultural and societal contexts that surround sports. They offer a lens through which fans and readers can see how Black coaches and players have shaped not only the game but also the communities they represent.
A New Era for College Football
As the 2025 Orange Bowl approaches, the meeting of two Black coaches on such a grand stage represents a new era for college football. James Franklin and Marcus Freeman’s leadership in this space proves that Black coaches have the talent, resilience, and vision to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
The presence of Black media outlets like 4.0 Sports Media & Entertainment further ensures that these achievements are recognized, celebrated, and integrated into the broader narrative of college football.
This moment is about more than just football—it’s about progress, opportunity, and the power of representation. As the two teams take the field in Miami, they will not only compete for victory but also for the future of college football, where Black coaches and Black media are an integral part of the story.
