For a fairly long time, the NFL faced a lot of criticism for the lack of coaching opportunities for minorities. To remedy that, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has elected to step in to do his part for the league’s future.

Earlier, the Packers announced that LaFleur is set to start a yearlong, full-time coaching fellowship. This fellowship is meant for for young and aspiring minority coaches to aid them in their path to the NFL. Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver, Ruvell Martin is currently in the program’s first year. However, he may soon join the team’s coaching staff once he finishes.

Martin kick-started his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers practice squad after going undrafted in 2004. A year later, following a stint with NFL Europe, he spent the next three seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

In 41 games, Martin hauled in 52 receptions for 749 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Since then, he represented the St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills before hanging up his boots after the 2012 season.

How are the Green Bay Packers tackling the coaching problem?

One of the biggest issues that the NFL is facing is, the lack of coaching opportunities. This is especially true for offensive coaching for minority candidates. Organizations often hire head coaches with experience coaching on offense. So, a lack of opportunities has seemingly hurt many minority coaches.

This is why, it is heart-warming to see LaFleur taking part in an initiative. The 40-year old has proven that he is committed to helping provide minority coaches with greater opportunities. Hopefully more teams adopt fellowships like this in the future and give minority coaches an opportunity to make it big.

Admittedly, LaFleur’s predecessor Mike McCarthy, had annual minority coaching internships during past offseasons. This was part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship Program. Ex-Packers players Nick Barnett, Jarrett Bush and Brandon Jackson all took part during McCarthy’s final season in 2018. However, this marks the first time the team has had a year-long position like this.