More than a dozen NFL alumni have been invited to the league’s Annual Spring Meeting in Nashville this week.
The former players are there to participate in a Coaches Accelerator Program which was launched in 2022. The session serves as a platform for clubs and NFL owners to engage with qualified coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds and from different levels of our sport.
“This program continues to be an effective avenue for club owners and top executives to be exposed to the skillset and unique backgrounds of highly qualified coaching candidates,” says Commissioner Goodell. “It also enables the program’s participants to network with one another and engage in professional development.”
All owners and club executives, who are attending the annual spring meeting, will attend a special kickoff reception with the program participants tonight. There is a scheduled roundtable discussion tomorrow morning between the program participants and the club executives.
The NFL alumni who are expected to attend this VIP meeting in Nashville this week include:
- Raiders Assistant Coach Mike Caldwell (who played with the Browns, Ravens, Cardinals, Eagles, Bears, Panthers; 1993-2003)
- Jets Assistant Coach Shawn Jefferson (Chargers, Patriots, Falcons, Lions; 1991-2003)
- Giants Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka (Eagles, Buccaneers, Vikings; 2010-15)
- Buccaneers Quarterbacks Coach Thad Lewis (Rams, Browns, Bills, Texans, Eagles, 49ers; 2010-16)
- Lions Assistant Head Coach Scottie Montgomery (Broncos; 2000-02)
- Chiefs Assistant Coach Rod Wilson (Bears, Buccaneers; 2005-10)
“This program has proven to be mutually beneficial for participants and clubs,” says Vikings owner Mark Wilf. “It breaks down barriers to interpersonal access and educational tools vital for success. We look forward in future years to having more NFL alumni and college coaches involved.”
There are hundreds of other alumni who are coaching on all levels of our sport. We hope many of them also will have the benefit of participating in this innovative program to help maximize their coaching potential.
