Chargers' Mike McDaniel Headlines List of Coaches Featured In NFL's 2026 Accelerator Program

As the NFL continues to implement ways to add more diverse names to the coaching and front-office talent pool, the accelerator program is returning in 2026 led by Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

In a document obtained by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, McDaniel is among 34 names on the list for the program.

The memo also includes a statement from the league about the purpose of the program: "The May accelerator is intended to focus on advancing talent from underrepresented groups, while remaining open to qualified senior-level candidates of all backgrounds."

Other notable coaches in the program this year include Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase and Detroit Lions passing game coordinator Mike Kafka.

Executives in the program include Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Bradway, New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown and Washington Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark.

The program will be held during the owners meetings in Orlando next week on Monday and Tuesday.

McDaniel is a unique choice for the program because he has four seasons of head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins from 2022 to '25. He would also figure to be a prominent candidate again next offseason, especially if the Chargers offense performs well with him calling plays this season.

The NFL adopted the accelerator program in 2022, but the league canceled it last year. Fowler noted its return this year came with an adjusted focus from "high-potential candidates" to "senior-level executives and coaches" deemed "more aligned with head coach and general manager readiness."