The NFL has decided to pause its accelerator program, an initiative implemented for three years with the aim of increasing diversity in key coaching positions, the league confirmed on Tuesday.
The most recent accelerator event, designed to connect coaches from diverse backgrounds with team owners and executives, was scheduled for next week’s spring meeting in Eagan, Minnesota. Since its inception in 2022, five such events have been held, the most recent with coaches at the 2025 scouting combine.
In December 2024, the league brought together diverse candidates for positions in the main office and also held its Annual Women’s Forum to expand opportunities.
We believe that diversity of thought and origin is essential to our success, and is reflected in the policies, programs, and partnerships that help us attract, develop, and retain the best talent at all levels, both on and off the field.
Dasha Smith, NFL Chief Administrative Officer
In a provided statement, Dasha Smith, NFL Chief Administrative Officer, explained that the program will be redesigned and will return next year. Smith added that each offseason they evaluate the programs to identify areas for improvement and maximize their impact. This year, additional opportunities were identified for the Accelerator, including the combination of the training and front office programs to ensure its effectiveness.
The next edition of the Accelerator will take place in May 2026. This will allow for a reimagining of the program, incorporating feedback and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure its future success. The NFL reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the talent pipeline and creating an environment that reflects the diversity of its fan base.
The decision comes four months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening federal action against organizations whose diversity, equity, and inclusion programs violated the government’s interpretation of civil rights law.
Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated the NFL’s commitment to diversity, an initiative that began in 2003 with the Rooney Rule, during his State of the League address on February 3, in the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX.
We got involved in diversity efforts because we believed it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we are going to continue those efforts because not only have we convinced ourselves, but I think we have proven to ourselves that this makes the NFL better.
Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
Goodell added that the league’s efforts are fundamental to attracting the best possible talent, both on and off the field.
