The man who coached the Pierre T.F. Riggs High School football team to a record setting 7 consecutive state championships will be getting an inside look at coaching in the NFL when he attends the inaugural Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy in May (May 6-12, 2024).
Coach Steve Steele is one of 25 coaches– including five women and two international participants– selected to participate in the program designed to provide an opportunity for coaches seeking their initial entry into the NFL.
The inaugural class of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy will receive on-field experience, interactive sessions, business insights, media training, film review and instruction on key football software with NFL players, coaches and staff. Participants will be given hands-on instruction and networking opportunities with Buccaneers coaches and staff members.
Upon completion of the team’s rookie minicamp, the Bucs coaching and front office staffs will select five participants to transition into the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship for training camp and preseason. The Fellowship, created in 1987, is designed to open pathways for minority coaches into the league.
All participants will be awarded scholarships to cover the costs of the week-long Academy.
According to the Academy’s website, they received over 1,500 applicants from across the globe, including the United States, Germany, Denmark and Brazil. Of the 25 selected, 15 currently occupy roles in the college ranks, six work at the high school level and three hold coaching positions abroad.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, general manager Jason Licht, legendary former head coach Bruce Arians, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Dungy and Rondé Barber were instrumental in the development of the Academy and will participate in the curriculum programming.
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