NFL pauses accelerator program aimed at increasing diverse hirings

The NFL has announced that it will not be holding its accelerator program aimed at increasing diversity among coaches at the upcoming spring meetings. The league plans to make changes to the program before bringing it back next year.

Originally scheduled to take place at the league meetings next week in Minnesota, the program was designed to allow coaching candidates of diverse backgrounds to meet with team owners. However, NFL chief administrative officer Dasha Smith stated that the program will be postponed until May 2026 to allow for a reimagining of the program based on feedback and stakeholder engagement.

Smith emphasized the league’s commitment to strengthening the talent pipeline and creating an environment that reflects the diversity of the fan base. The NFL aims to be a unifying force and believes that the next evolution of their efforts will bring them closer to that goal.

The decision to postpone the program was first reported by CBS Sports. The NFL recently conducted an accelerator program for general manager candidates at league meetings in December, as well as a candidate development program at the scouting combine and the annual women’s forum.

Notable individuals who have participated in the accelerator program and gone on to secure top positions include New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and former Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon. The league plans to combine the coaching and front office accelerator programs moving forward, with a continued focus on increasing diverse hirings for key leadership positions.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has reaffirmed the NFL’s commitment to diverse hiring, noting that it has led to making the league better by attracting top talent with different perspectives and backgrounds. Currently, the NFL has seven minority head coaches and seven minority general managers.

The league believes that diversity of thought and background is essential to its success, reflected in its policies, programs, and partnerships to attract, develop, and retain top talent at all levels. Goodell emphasized the importance of diversity in making the NFL stronger and better.

For more NFL news, visit AP NFL.