Sports NFL’s first Black coach Fritz Pollard hired in 1921: ‘It’s ironic. Not much has changed’ February 10, 2022 Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indianapolis Star Comments Off on NFL’s first Black coach Fritz Pollard hired in 1921: ‘It’s ironic. Not much has changed’ Fritz Pollard blazed a trail as the first Black coach in the NFL. A century later, some say his coaching experience in the league mirrors today's NFL.