Lions assistant coach to participate in NFL accelerator program

TL;DR

Detroit Lions assistant coach Mike Kafka will participate in the NFL accelerator program next week in Orlando, Florida. The program aims to help minority coaches advance in the league after its return following a hiatus last year.

Key points

Mike Kafka is attending the NFL accelerator program next week.
The program helps minority coaches gain connections for advancement.
Kafka was hired as Lions passing game coordinator this offseason.
The program has downsized participants and expanded its focus.
Kafka previously participated in the program in 2024.

Mentioned in this story

Mike Kafka

Detroit LionsNew York GiantsNew Orleans Saints

New York Giants Head Coach Mike Kafka, is shown during the fourth quarter, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford. | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The NFL accelerator program—an annual summit to help minority coaches gain connections and increase their chances at advancement in the league—is returning after the league ended the program last year. And upon its return next week, there will be a Detroit Lions assistant coach who will participate. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Lions passing game coordinator Mike Kafka will attend the program this upcoming Monday and Tuesday in Orlando, Florida. Kafka was hired by the Lions this offseason to help replace the void left by the firing of offensive coordinator John Morton. While Drew Petzing earned the offensive coordinator job, Kafka will still be an integral part of Detroit’s offense. Kafka, whose mother is Puerto Rican—therefore qualifying him as a minority under the league’s Rooney Rule—nearly found himself in an NFL job after the 2024 season. After a couple of strong years as the Giants offensive coordinator, Kafka was a finalist for the Saints head coach job before they eventually landed on Kellen Moore. This isn’t the first time Kafka has participated in the accelerator program. He did so in 2024, as well, and spoke about the value of the program. “Just networking and meeting a lot of the coaches that are here,” Kafka told NFL Network. “Then we’re breaking down into workshops and talking about media and things that come up in these interviews. So, it’s all great information–it’s all great ways to continue to improve as a coach.” This year, the program has both downsized the number of participants and expanded its reach beyond minority candidates. They have also . That could mean Kafka sees more head coaching opportunities in 2027 if the Lions offense succeeds this upcoming year. Although it’s worth noting that the Lions would not receive draft pick compensation if Kafka becomes a head coach next year. In order to qualify for Rooney Rule compensation of two third-round picks, the promoted coach needs to have been with the previous team for at least two seasons. Fowler only provides a partial list of the expected 34 coaches and executives who will be in attendance at this year’s accelerator program, so it’s possible other Lions employees will be there.

Q&A

What is the NFL accelerator program and its purpose?

The NFL accelerator program is an annual summit designed to help minority coaches build connections and enhance their chances for advancement within the league.

Who is Mike Kafka and what role does he play with the Detroit Lions?

Mike Kafka is the passing game coordinator for the Detroit Lions, hired to fill the void left by the firing of offensive coordinator John Morton.

What are the implications for Mike Kafka's career after attending the accelerator program?

Participation in the accelerator program could open up more head coaching opportunities for Kafka in 2027, especially if the Lions' offense performs well this season.