Tag: accelerator program

May 11, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel watches during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers OC Mike McDaniel in NFL accelerator program

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy are two of 34 coaches and executives scheduled to participate in the NFL’s revamped accelerator program, ESPN reported on Saturday.

The NFL began holding accelerator events at its spring meetings starting in 2022 after league officials perceived that owners were passing over highly qualified individuals of color for vacant positions. They did not hold the event in 2025, however.

Among the 16 coaches slated to participate is McDaniel, who served as the Miami Dolphins head coach from 2022-25.

McDaniel achieved back-to-back playoff appearances with the Dolphins in his first two seasons. Over four seasons there, McDaniel posted a 35-33 record in the regular season and an 0-2 record in the postseason.

Bieniemy, Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde and Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich are among those that have received head coaching interviews in recent years.

Eighteen executives also are scheduled to participate in the program, including Glenn Cook and Catherine Hickman (Cleveland Browns), James Liipfert (Houston Texans), Mike Bradway (Chiefs), Brandon Brown (New York Giants), Josh Williams (San Francisco 49ers), Mike Greenberg (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Lance Newmark (Washington Commanders).

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a NFL football during warmups before the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Commanders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

NFL cancels accelerator program, aims to revamp for May 2026

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The NFL has canceled its accelerator program, designed to promote diversity hiring practices for head coaches and front office positions, citing a need for improvements.

The next accelerator event, which connects individuals of diverse backgrounds with owners and team executives, was scheduled to take place next week in Minnesota.

According to reports, league officials determined that the program needed a revamp to improve effectiveness.

“Every offseason, we take a step back to reflect on the positives and areas for improvement of our programs and assess ways to make them more impactful,” Dasha Smith, NFL executive vice president and chief administrative officer, said in a statement.

“This year, we assessed and identified additional opportunities with the Accelerator — including combining the coaching and front office programs to ensure the Accelerator continues to be as impactful as possible.”

Smith noted that the next accelerator event would take place in May 2026, which “will allow us to reimagine the program, reflecting on the feedback and engaging with stakeholders so we can ensure a successful program in the future.”

League officials emphasized that the cancellation does not mean it will end the NFL’s commitment to diversity. Rather, it allows the league to strengthen its efforts to ensure that everyone receives fair opportunities.

“We’re steadfast in our commitment to strengthen our talent pipeline and create an environment that reflects the diversity of our fan base,” Smith said. “The NFL strives to be a unifying force, and we are confident the next evolution of our efforts will take us one step closer to that goal.”

The NFL began holding accelerator events at its spring meetings starting in 2022 after league officials perceived that owners were passing over highly qualified individuals of color for vacant positions. The NFL also has the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview minorities for open general manager, head coaching and coordinator positions.

So far, however, just two individuals have landed jobs as a result of the accelerator program: Ran Carthon (Tennessee Titans general manager, fired in 2024) and Aaron Glenn (current New York Jets head coach).

–Field Level Media