The NFL has had its own diversity program since 2022. The aim is to better support coaches who belong to minority groups. But now the league is suspending the program – presumably because of the government.

The NFL has put its Accelerator Program, which has been promoting diversity in coaching leadership positions for three years, on hold for the time being. According to the league, the program will be revised and return in a new form in May 2026.

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Since 2022, the Accelerator program has been bringing coaches from underrepresented groups together with team owners and executives to strengthen networks and improve career opportunities.

The next event was originally scheduled for next week as part of the Spring Meeting in Eagan, Minnesota. A total of five events have been held since the program launched, most recently in February 2025 at the Scouting Combine.

NFL diversity program: Realignment for greater effectiveness

Dasha Smith, Chief Administrative Officer of the NFL, told ESPN: “We believe that diversity in thought and background is essential to our success. This is reflected in our programs, partnerships, and initiatives that help us develop talent at all levels.”

The break will be used to develop an even more effective program based on feedback and discussions with stakeholders. “We are committed to strengthening our talent pool and creating an environment that reflects the diversity of our fans,” Smith continued.

The NFL plans to combine its coaching and front office accelerator programs to further promote diversity in key positions. There are currently seven head coaches and seven general managers from minority groups in the league. Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized in his Super Bowl speech in New Orleans in February: “Our diversity initiatives make the NFL better. They attract better talent and promote different perspectives.”

NFL diversity program: Political pressure behind withdrawal?

The decision to pause the program comes four months after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening action against organizations whose diversity programs the government believes violate civil rights laws.

However, Goodell reiterated the NFL’s commitment to its diversity goals, which began with the introduction of the Rooney Rule in 2003.

In addition to the coaching program, the NFL held an accelerator event for front office candidates in December 2024 and hosted its annual Women’s Forum to open up further career paths. The league emphasizes that it continues to work on innovative approaches to strengthen diversity in the NFL in a sustainable manner.