NFL Getting Criticized For Its Returning 'Accelerator' Program
In 2022, the NFL created its "accelerator program," aimed at "increasing diversity in leadership roles" before being canceled in 2025. However, the program is returning in 2026 - much to the distaste of some NFL fans.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, 34 coaches and executives were invited to the new accelerator program, which is slated to run early next week in Orlando, Florida. Some of the most noteworthy name are former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and longtime NFL assistant Eric Bieniemy.
But unlike previous years, this edition of the accelerator program will not be exclusively aimed at advancing minority coaches and executives. The league stated as much in a March memo.
"The May accelerator is intended to focus on advancing talent from underrepresented groups while remaining open to qualified senior-level candidates of all backgrounds," the league reportedly told the 32 teams.
Nevertheless, fans only remember the accelerator program for previous years of representing minority candidates and have been raking the league over the coals for what some perceive as a "racist" practice and pejoratively refer to it as "DEI nonsense."
"Yet another NFL program with overtly racist rules. They all need to be dismantled," one user on X declared.
"Can we quit with the racist (expletive) already? All you're doing with this racist program is putting a target on the back of any minority hired because of it. Ironically, it's you (expletive) that keep racism alive and well. Morons," wrote another.
"lol, just more DEI boiling hot garbage," a third remarked.
The List
McDaniel is one of the only coaches on the list to have prior full-time head coaching experience. Most of the others have either been interim coaches on a short-term bases or gotten a handful of interviews through the year.
Here are some of the other coaches reportedly getting invited:
- Nate Scheelhaase, Rams OC
- Mike Kafka, Lions PGC
- Grant Udinski, Jaguars OC
- Aden Durde, Seahawks DC
- Jeff Ulbrich, Falcons DC
- Josh McCown, Vikings QBs
- Darren Rizzi, Broncos STC
Fowler noted that just 16 coaches were invited to attend, well down from the 40 who attended the accelerator program in 2023.
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 2:18 PM.