NFL's accelerator program gives minority coaches optimism that new system works

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Getting lessons on how to manage a crisis and deal with the media will help Houston quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka when and if they interview for NFL head coaching jobs.

That's exactly what the NFL 's coach accelerator program is designed to do.

This three-day program coincides with the league's spring meetings, which end Wednesday. Their current teams also are starting the third and final phase of the offseason, which kept the 28 assistant coaches very busy.

“We're ball coaches, so it's kind of funny,” Johnson said Tuesday. “We had a 15-minute break in the sessions, and almost every coach pulled up their iPad, was checking OTAs film and sending notes.”

This is the NFL's fifth accelerator program since 2022 designed to put minority candidates for head coach, general manager and other front office jobs with the people who make hiring decisions — team owners. The previous program was held last December for front office and GM candidates.

This session included a former NFL head coach in Brian Flores, whose lawsuit against the league and three teams currently is working through federal court.

Former Stanford coach David Shaw also is among the 28 coaches attending with this the first session for 19 of them.

Optimism is even higher after four minority coaches were hired this offseason to bring the number of coaches of color for the 2024 season to nine. That's the most in league history. The NFL now has six Black head coaches, including Johnson's boss DeMeco Ryans coming off his first season in Houston.

Johnson thanked the Texans' organization for seeing the value in the program and giving him the time to take part.

“It's something that you can’t put a price tag on it man,” Johnson said. “It’s a great opportunity to grow and meet other coaches and interact with owners and whatnot. So I really appreciate the program.”

The accelerator program is an extension of the Rooney Rule, originally created in 2003. Pittsburgh owner Art Rooney II said they're pleased with the progress.

“We’re not where we want to be, not where we need to be,” Rooney said. "But, I think we are seeing the commitment across the league to making a difference here.”

The NFL also announced Tuesday on the first day of the league's spring meeting a new program called “NFL Source” to expand its commitment to diversity among suppliers.

The program developed over the past three years will standardize how the league and its teams connect with businesses, specifically to create a level playing field for businesses run by women, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities or LGBTQ+ to compete and get contracts.

Atlanta owner Arthur Blank hired one of the four minority coaches this offseason in Raheem Morris.

Blank noted his franchise has been committed for years to expanding opportunities, exceeding a goal using almost 40% minority representatives in building Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This program will help the NFL and its teams have access to certified suppliers.

"We have to make sure we have the discipline to follow all of that, and we’re anxious to be part of the program going forward,” Blank said.

The NFL also announced the renewal of 10 grants approved recently by the Player-Owner Social Justice Committee as part of the league's Inspire Change social justice initiative.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The NFL's senior vice president of social responsibility Anna Isaacson speaks during a news conference at the football league's owners spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee Titans Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors Kenneth Adams IV attends the NFL football owners spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis arrives for the NFL football owners spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson arrives for the NFL football owners spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Arthur Rooney II speaks during a news conference at the NFL football owners' spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks during a news conference at the NFL football owners' spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka speaks during a news conference at the NFL football owners' spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Kafka is participating in the league's coach accelerator program. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson speaks during a news conference at the NFL football owners spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Johnson is participating in the league's coach accelerator program designed to promote minority head coaching candidates. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

CLEVELAND (AP) — Aaron Judge finally delivered the kind of postseason moment in October that turns Yankees into legends.

It became a footnote when New York's bullpen blew up.

Judge's tying, two-out, two-run homer in the eighth inning — followed by Giancarlo Stanton's solo shot — were upstaged Thursday night by a pair of lesser-known Cleveland players as the Guardians rallied for a 7-5 victory in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series.

Rookie Jhonkensy Noel hit a two-out, pinch-hit, two-run homer in the ninth inning off Luke Weaver and David Fry connected for a two-run shot in the 10th off Clay Holmes as the Guardians rallied against New York's lights-out bullpen.

“It’s baseball. Stuff like that happens," Judge said, standing in a quiet New York clubhouse. "Everyone in this room has faith in those guys.”

The Yankees became the first team in the postseason to be trailing by multiple runs in the eighth inning or later and hit consecutive homers to take the lead.

Another footnote.

Judge has been criticized for his lack of production in the postseason. He came in batting just .143 (3 for 21) in these playoffs and .206 (39 of 189) with 14 homers and 29 RBIs along with 72 strikeouts since his first playoffs appearance in 2017.

He homered in Game 2, a shot toward Monument Park that Yankee fans hoped would be followed by more deep drives. He struck out twice in Game 3 before the eighth, when he connected on a 1-2 pitch from All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase.

Judge drove the right-hander's 99 mph cutter the opposite way to right field. When he hit it, Judge didn't think it had a chance to leave the park and become his 15th career postseason homer, tying him with Babe Ruth for fourth place in club history.

“I was just trying for a little single to right with Stanton behind me,” Judge said. "Off the bat, I thought it was going to go off the wall. My first thought was just to get to second base.”

From his vantage point in the on-deck circle, Stanton marveled at Judge's ability to hit Clase's pitch so far.

“He (Clase) is a generational talent,” Stanton said. "It wasn’t a bad pitch. It was low on the black, but he does what he does.”

As the Yankees were still celebrating with Judge in the dugout, Stanton followed with his blast to center field and suddenly New York had a 4-3 lead — and just six outs away from a commanding 3-0 series lead.

“You're going to celebrate big moments all the time like that,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who hit one of New York's most memorable postseason homers to win the 2003 ALCS. “I threw a right-fist pump, like fired up. You certainly feel the energy of a couple of shots like that.”

But for the first time in this postseason, New York's trusty bullpen didn't come through.

Yankees' relievers entered with a 0.77 ERA and 23 strikeouts before Weaver and Holmes, who tied franchise record with 13 blown saves and lost his closer's job late in the regular season.

Fry's homer were the first runs allowed by Holmes in 13 career postseason appearances.

“I really felt like I let the team down and let myself down,” Weaver said. "It hurts more knowing how close we were to being ahead 3-0. It feels a little devastating, but they earned it. They sure earned that win tonight.”

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

New York Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton watches his home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning in Game 3 of the baseball AL Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Cleveland.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

New York Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton (27) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning in Game 3 of the baseball AL Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Cleveland.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge runs the bases after hitting a two-run home against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning in Game 3 of the baseball AL Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Cleveland.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

New York Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver watches a two-run home by Cleveland Guardians' Jhonkensy Noel during the ninth inning in Game 3 of the baseball AL Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning in Game 3 of the baseball AL Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Cleveland.(AP Photo/Godofredo Vásquez )