Moments in NFL History: Art Shell makes NFL History
Selected in the third round of the 1968 NFL Draft out of the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore to the Oakland Raiders, tackle ART SHELL’s NFL playing career culminated in enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Along the way, he was invited to eight Pro Bowls, was named an AP first-team All-Pro in 1974 and 1977 and was selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s and the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
While Shell paved his path to Canton, he also opened the doors for many who followed him – this time from the sidelines.
On this date (Oct. 9) in 1989, Shell made his debut as the first African American head coach for a franchise in the NFL’s modern era when he took over the helm of the Los Angeles Raiders. A few hours later, he had become the first African American head coach to win in the modern era when the Raiders topped the New York Jets.
Raiders owner AL DAVIS promoted Shell, previously the team’s offensive line coach, after a 1-3 start to the 1989 season.
“I don’t believe the color of my skin entered into this decision. I think if you know Al Davis or you know this organization, you’ll understand that,” Shell said during his introductory news conference.
“He (Davis) said, ‘I want you to know one thing: I am not hiring you because you are Black. I am hiring you because I feel that you are the best possible candidate for this job at this time.’”
Shell’s debut came one on of the biggest stages on the NFL calendar, “Monday Night Football.” Thanks to touchdowns from Mervyn Fernandez and Eddie Anderson, as well as stellar play from future Hall of Famers HOWIE LONG and MARCUS ALLEN, the Raiders took home the victory, 14-7.
“Al Davis was a cunning man. He made the decision to hire me before a “Monday Night Football” game because – think about that – he made that change because he knew nationally that everybody would be watching,” Shell said in a video produced by the Raiders.
Shell’s head coaching career continued until 1994, with an additional year for the Raiders in 2006. His career on the sideline was highlighted by a 12-4 season in 1990 that earned him Coach of the Year honors from some outlets.
More important than any success he enjoyed, however, was the fact his hiring led other organizations to extend coaching opportunities to Black coaching candidates. The list included Dennis Green, TONY DUNGY, Marvin Lewis, Lovie Smith, Mike Tomlin, MIKE SINGLETARY and current head coaches Todd Bowles, DeMeco Ryans and Aaron Glenn.
Overall, Shell posted a 56-52 record as a head coach – 54-38 if you exclude the tumultuous 2006 season – with winning records in all but two seasons.