Michael Clay to Participate in NFL Coach Accelerator Program

Eagles Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay will be participating in the NFL’s Coach Accelerator Program during the spring league meeting next week.

Clay, who was the only coordinator retained following the Eagles’ historic collapse at the end of the 2023-24 season, rebounded from a poor special teams showing the season prior. The Eagles’ special teams unit went from being a poor unit in the 2022 season to a bright spot amid a cloud of darkness in the 2023 season.

According to the NFL, the program helps connect teams with potential coaching candidates, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, so the teams and coaches can build relationships. The program will also provide participating coaches with insighte into future NFL initiatives.

“Developing diverse coaching talent through the Accelerator program is a key priority,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “In its fifth iteration, this program continues to be an effective avenue for club owners and executives to be exposed to the skillset and unique backgrounds of highly qualified coaching candidates, and for the program’s participants to network with one another and engage in professional development sessions.”

The program is similar to the Front Office Accelerator the NFL runs each year for front office staff. The league also noted that the program will have coaches who have predominantly worked at the college level for the first time.

While participants can participate multiple times, Clay, who is the only participant from the Eagles this season, is participating for the first time.