The Latest Breaking News from Willie Simmons

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In the end, the bands played on, a potential disaster averted. Florida A&M, undermanned and eventually overwhelmed, limped off the field at Kenan Stadium having put up a noble fight against North Carolina, even with a third of its roster back in Tallahassee, ineligible.

Florida A&M communicated its concerns with North Carolina of a depleted roster throughout the day on Friday, which led to a wild three hours and speculation on social media that Saturday’s 8 p.m. opener at Kenan Stadium would not be played.

To expand common avenues for Black coaches to receive more prominent coaching positions, the powers-that-be must be actually willing to give them a look.

PHILADELPHIA — Harold Carmichael was a wiry teenager hanging out at a teammate's house when he decided he wanted to play football at Southern University.