Kansas City Chiefs all-in on NFL's effort to boost inclusion via annual coaching accelerator program

The Kansas City Chiefs are sending two of their assistant coaches - assistant defensive line coach Terry Bradden and defensive assistant Rod Wilson - to the NFL’s 2024 Coach Accelerator program.

This will be the fifth iteration of the program since it began in 2022. It is an opportunity for front office executives and team owners to meet with coaches from diverse backgrounds. This gives these coaching candidates the chance to build relationships and put their names out there as they try to climb the coaching ladder.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement about the program.

"Developing diverse coaching talent through the Accelerator program is a key priority," Goodell said. "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."

Bradden is entering his eighth year with the Chiefs. He spent his first years as the defensive quality control coach before moving to assistant defensive line. Bradden is an awesome success story, overcoming a troubling childhood in Riviera Beach, Florida.  

Wilson played six seasons in the NFL for four different teams. He is in his second stint as a coach with the Chiefs, previously serving as the assistant special teams coach from 2017-2019. He returned to the team in 2022 as a defensive assistant. While apart from the Chiefs, Wilson was a college linebackers coach for South Carolina in 2020 and Coastal Carolina in 2021.

Andy Reid is known for his huge coaching tree, which will only continue to grow over the years. Bradden and Wilson have contributed to the success of the Chiefs' defense, which was one of the best in the league last year. Keep your eye on their names as they continue to work their ways through the ranks.