Counterargument Against Female Coaches

The argument has been made that women are not fit to lead male teams at the professional level because they would be unable to manage large groups of men due to gender differences. Mike Francesca, a prominent sports radio host, argued, “Do you know how difficult it would be on a female to manage 25 men? Or 50 men? Do you know how impossible that would be?…It wouldn’t be tough. It would be impossible” he said when asked if he believes a woman will ever be the head coach of a men’s professional sports team (Bodner). This chauvinistic view of women in positions of leadership is completely misguided, and perfectly exemplifies the toxic masculine culture of the NFL. Universalism is a concept which our society has increasingly valued in modern times, and is considered a moral “good.” Using deontic reasoning, any action which promotes a moral good is ethical, therefore it would be unethical for detractors of female coaches such as Mike Francesca to dismiss women from achieving leadership positions solely because of their gender. In order to uphold the value of universalism, the NFL must take action to improve their outreach to female coaches.