NFL Accelerator Program Returns with 34 Coaches and Executives, Including Mike McDaniel and Eric Bieniemy

The NFL’s Accelerator program, a key initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in football, has returned after a one-year hiatus. The program, which was paused in 2025, is now open to all coaches and executives, regardless of background, as the league seeks to reinforce its commitment to these values.

In March, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane clarified that the program is not a response to external pressures. "It's not us taking the direction of anyone on the outside," Beane stated. "It's not a reaction to D.C."

34 Participants Join the 2026 Accelerator Program

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, 34 coaches and executives have been selected for the 2026 cohort. The list includes notable names such as:

• Mike McDaniel, offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers and former head coach of the Miami Dolphins;
• Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs and former Chiefs head coach candidate;
• Nate Scheelhaase, offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams;
• Mike Kafka, passing game coordinator for the Detroit Lions and former interim head coach of the New York Giants;
• Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars;
• Aden Durde, defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks;
• Jeff Ulbrich, defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons;
• Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings;
• Darren Rizzi, special teams coordinator for the Denver Broncos.

Executives Also Participate in the Program

The executive roster for the 2026 Accelerator program features:

• Terrance Gray (Buffalo Bills);
• Nolan Teasley (Seattle Seahawks);
• John McKay (Los Angeles Rams);
• R.J. Gillen (San Francisco 49ers);
• Chad Alexander (Los Angeles Chargers);
• Glenn Cook and Catherine Hickman (Cleveland Browns);
• Brandon Brown (New York Giants);
• Josh Williams (San Francisco 49ers);
• James Liipfert (Houston Texans);
• Mike Bradway (Kansas City Chiefs);
• Lance Newmark (Washington Commanders);
• Mike Greenberg (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

NFL Addresses Political Scrutiny Over DEI Initiatives

The Accelerator program has faced scrutiny, particularly in Florida, where state officials have challenged the NFL’s DEI efforts. In a May 1, 2026, letter to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, NFL general counsel Ted Ullyot defended the program, stating:

"The Accelerator program is open to all individuals, regardless of race or sex. It provides an opportunity for prospective candidates for front office positions to participate in networking events, interview training, and facilitated development sessions."

The NFL’s decision to reopen the program to all candidates, rather than focusing on underrepresented groups, reflects a strategic shift to mitigate criticism while maintaining its DEI goals. Despite last year’s cancellation, the league’s renewed commitment to the Accelerator program signals its ongoing efforts to support diverse coaching and executive talent pipelines.