FL Commissioner Roger Goodell has always been outspoken about “diversity efforts” in the league. In one particular presser, he had said, “We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League – We see how it’s benefited the National Football League. And so, I think we’ll continue those efforts. I think it’s also clearly a reflection of our fan base and our communities and our players.” But while Roger Goodell continues his efforts, they haven’t produced the results people had hoped. So, now, Goodell takes a step back to get a bird’s-eye view of the situation. The league is planning to make it better. But the timing of this decision is raising quite a few eyebrows.

With the league’s Spring Meeting just around the corner, there was another event to look forward to. Since 2022, the NFL spring league meetings have gone hand in hand with the coaching accelerator program. It’s an endeavor created to give equal opportunities to minority coaches in the assistant or positional ranks to upskill and have a shot at being the shot-callers of the teams. But now, this unique programme will take the backseat. Roger Goodell, along with the league, looks to revamp and renew its diversity efforts.

As per a post on X by NFL reporter Jori Epstein, the league has decided to pull the plug on the accelerator program. Epstein writes, “The NFL has canceled the accelerator program it had scheduled for minority coaches next week, league source confirms. In recent years, accelerator had been a chance for diverse up-and-coming coaches to get in front of team owners & participate in leadership development program.” Many diversity programs outside the NFL have also shut its doors this year. But the league remains positive in its efforts to bring the program back. Bigger, better, and more effective than ever before, right in time for next year’s spring meeting.

Dasha Smith (NFL EVP and chief administrative officer) does seem to have a positive outlook on the whole situation. The league’s top brass will be brainstorming to figure out a way to make changes to the program. Around this time next year, the revamped program will give an opportunity for HC and GM candidates to work together. Smith has notably said, “Part of the feedback that we got was that there’s a lot of benefit to having the two groups together, mostly for their own networking with each other – which makes sense in sort of understanding what their world looks like, and the head coach candidates and the GM candidates, really having that opportunity to network with each other.”

And people have been looking at the timing of this decision. But Smith has further clarified that this decision was in the works for a long time. Smith had further added, “You should not draw any conclusions about the timing on all of this, because we’ve been talking about how we were going to improve the accelerator program, candidly, from the time we did the last accelerator program for coaches, which was last year this time.” The league has faced a lot of scrutiny for the lack of results. But the program restructuring might be just what the doctor ordered.

The League is targeting 2026

NFL Chief Administrative Officer Dasha Smith said that the league’s Accelerator program is getting a major refresh. Also, it’ll be back in May 2026 with a whole new look. “We truly believe that having different perspectives and backgrounds makes us stronger,” Smith said. “That’s why we’re always working on policies, programs, and partnerships that help us bring in, grow, and keep the best talent. Whether it’s on the field or in the front office.” Every offseason, the league takes a step back to reflect on what’s working and what could use a tune-up.

“This year, we realized there was room to do more with the Accelerator. So, we’re combining the coaching and front office programs into one to make it even more effective,” Smith explained. Instead of rushing into another session, the NFL is hitting pause to get it right.

“We’ve decided to hold the next Accelerator in May 2026. That gives us time to rethink things based on feedback and work closely with stakeholders to make sure it really delivers. Our goal hasn’t changed—we’re committed to building a strong, diverse talent pipeline that reflects the fans we serve,” she added. “We want the NFL to be a force that brings people together, and we believe the next version of this program will bring us even closer to that vision.” Fans would like to see that change.

The matter rests in the capable hands of Roger Goodell and the league officials. With the league doubling down on its efforts, a bigger and better change might just be around the corner.