The National Football League’s diversity accelerator initiative will welcome 34 coaching staff members and front office personnel, with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel among the participants, according to ESPN’s Saturday report.
League leadership launched these accelerator sessions during spring meetings beginning in 2022 following observations that team owners were overlooking well-qualified minority candidates for open positions. The program did not take place in 2025.
McDaniel, currently working as the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator, previously led the Miami Dolphins from 2022 through 2025 and is one of 16 coaches participating in the program.
During his tenure with Miami, McDaniel guided the team to consecutive playoff berths in his initial two campaigns. His four-year run with the Dolphins produced a 35-33 regular season record alongside an 0-2 playoff mark.
Eric Bieniemy of the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, and Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich represent other participants who have interviewed for head coaching opportunities recently.
The program will also feature 18 front office professionals, including Glenn Cook and Catherine Hickman from the Cleveland Browns, James Liipfert with the Houston Texans, Mike Bradway representing the Chiefs, Brandon Brown of the New York Giants, Josh Williams from the San Francisco 49ers, Mike Greenberg with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Lance Newmark from the Washington Commanders.
