NFL's accelerator program gives minority coaches optimism that new system works

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Getting lessons on how to manage a crisis and deal with the media will help Houston quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka when and if they interview for NFL head coaching jobs.

That’s exactly what the NFL ‘s coach accelerator program is designed to do.

This three-day program coincides with the league’s spring meetings, which end Wednesday. Their current teams also are starting the third and final phase of the offseason, which kept the 28 assistant coaches very busy.

“We’re ball coaches, so it’s kind of funny,” Johnson said Tuesday. “We had a 15-minute break in the sessions, and almost every coach pulled up their iPad, was checking OTAs film and sending notes.”

This is the NFL’s fifth accelerator program since 2022 designed to put minority candidates for head coach, general manager and other front office jobs with the people who make hiring decisions — team owners. The previous program was held last December for front office and GM candidates.