For a college football coach, the months between January and August are designated for, among other things, professional development. Few development opportunities are better than the NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy.
Founded in 2011, the NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy is, in the NCAA's words, a "collaborative effort between NCAA leadership development and NFL Player Engagement to positively influence diversity numbers in the college game and as a way for talented football coaches to gain exposure."
"Continuing the education of administrators and coaches can provide a better, more complete experience for athletes, whether on campus or in the professional arena," said NCAA executive vice president Bernard Franklin. “The partnership with the National Football League has a positive impact on the sport and those charged with developing the game and its participants. The exposure of aspiring coaches to a collection of the top minds in football – discussing topics like financial literacy, mental health and locker room culture – is crucial now and in the future."
This year's attendees will head to Louisville for, among other things, lessons on communication with campus and community stakeholders, building a positive culture, budget management and coaching strategy and philosophy. Speakers include longtime NFL head coach Dennis Green, former NFL front-office executive Charley Casserly and Memphis athletics director Tom Bowen.
And the 30 are...
Tim Belmore, offensive coordinator, University of Mary
Kenny Boyer, quality control assistant coach, defense, North Carolina Central University
Antonio Bradford, associate head coach, offensive line, Alabama State University
Shelton Bynum, linebackers coach / assistant special teams coordinator, Johnson C. Smith University
Brendan Carter, graduate assistant coach, wide receivers, McKendree University
Gerald Chatman, defensive line coach, Butler University
Darrin Chiaverini, assistant coach, wide receivers and special teams, Texas Tech University
Cornelius Coleman, defensive line coach, Robert Morris University
Chris Collins, defensive backs coach / co-special teams coach, Catawba College
Ari Confesor, wide receivers coach, University of Rhode Island
Autry Denson, running backs coach, University of Notre Dame
Jared Diekmann, video coordinator, Southeast Missouri State University
Ramal Faunteroy, defensive line coach, Shepherd University
Danny Freund, wide receivers coach, University of North Dakota
Joe Gaglione, linebackers coach, John Carroll University
Will Glover, Bethune-Cookman University
Jonas Jackson, defensive line coach, Savannah State University
Lamar Manigo, tight ends coach, Norfolk State University
Tim McGorry, offensive coordinator, Moravian College
Justin Montgomery, defensive line coach, Berry College
Darren Paige, wide receivers coach, Midwestern State University
Herb Pickens, defensive coordinator, Lincoln University
Justin Poindexter, tight ends coach, Southern University
Albert Poree, defensive quality control coach, cornerbacks, Mississippi State University
David Price, defensive coordinator, Hiram College
Steve Shipp, offensive coordinator, Johnson C. Smith University
Ryan Smaha, director of football operations, California State University, Sacramento
Rashad Watson, defensive coordinator, Missouri Southern State University
Chris Zarkoskie, strength and conditioning intern, University of New Hampshire