25 finalists were named out of nearly 1,000 applicants for the 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy. The Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers, created the Academy as part of their longstanding commitment to helping develop leaders both on and off the field. The Academy was established to create new pathways for coaches seeking the opportunity to work in the National Football League (NFL).
In its second year, the 2025 Academy will take place from May 5-11 at the team's facility, AdventHealth Training Center. In addition to taking part in team meetings and on-field coaching sessions with Buccaneers' rookies, this year's class will have the opportunity to participate in masterclass sessions with Super-Bowl Champion Head Coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, Buccaneers' current Head Coach Todd Bowles and General Manager Jason Licht. Additional programming will include sessions focused on film review and breakdowns, media training, business insights and interactive networking opportunities.
The 2025 finalists come from individuals currently working in five countries, including the United States, Germany, Denmark, England and Japan. Of the 25 selected, 11 work at the high school level, while eight occupy roles in the college ranks. Five hold coaching positions in professional leagues outside of the NFL, four of which are abroad. All participants will be awarded scholarships to cover the costs of the Academy while in Tampa.
"The Buccaneers National Coaching Academy was incredibly successful last year, and my entire staff and I look forward to welcoming this new group of finalists to Tampa this May," said Todd Bowles. "I am thankful and appreciative of the Glazer family's continued commitment to opening doors for deserving coaches. They wanted to create something with real impact and this experience has already been life-changing for some. These coaches will receive access and knowledge that is offered nowhere else and will play an important role in their career journeys."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy is open to all persons with three or more years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semi-professional league level. Applications were reviewed by Buccaneers' coaches, scouting personnel, along with football operations and front office staff. Upon completion of the team's rookie minicamp, the coaching and front office staff will then select five top candidates to participate in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship for training camp and preseason.
More information on those selected can be found here.
