Art Shell was a punishing offensive lineman for the
Los Angeles Raiders, now the
Oakland Raiders. During the end of his career Shell volunteered with the
University of California's football team in order to learn the ins and outs of coaching.
He retired in 1982, having represented the Raiders in eight
Pro Bowls. In 1989 he was inducted into the
Pro Football Hall of Fame; and that same year he was hired by Raiders owner
Al Davis to be the first-ever black
head coach in the
NFL.
Shell served as head coach of the Raiders until 1994, leading them to an
AFC West division title in 1990. Since his tenure with the Raiders he has served as an
offensive line coach with several teams; and his name is often mentioned when there's a coaching vacancy in the league.