Raiders run game coordinator/linebackers coach Mike Caldwell will represent the Raiders at the NFL's 2024 Coach Accelerator program at Spring League Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.
He is one of 27 participants in the fifth annual iteration of the league program.
The Coach Accelerator is design to provide qualified coaching candidates from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to further develop and hone their leadership skills, as well as meet with club owners and executives. The program also aims to create an "increase in diverse candidates being interviewed for open positions." Per the NFL, many past participants have been promoted and hired into more senior coaching positions.
"Developing diverse coaching talent through the Accelerator program is a key priority," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a press release. "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."
Caldwell joined the Raiders this offseason, bringing with him 16 years of NFL coaching experience and 11 years of playing experience in the NFL.
Caldwell spent the last two seasons (2022-23) with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the defensive coordinator. Under his leadership, the Jaguars defense only allowed 103.1 rushing yards per game in 2023, the ninth fewest in the NFL. OLB Josh Allen broke the single-season franchise sack record with 17.5 sacks, tied for the second most in the NFL in 2023.
He also served on coaching staffs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-21), New York Jets (2015-18), Arizona Cardinals (2013-14) and Philadelphia Eagles (2008-12).
Caldwell played 11 seasons in the NFL as a linebacker, making stops with the Cleveland Browns (1993-95), Baltimore Ravens (1996), Arizona Cardinals (1997), Philadelphia Eagles (1998-2001), Chicago Bears (2002) and Carolina Panthers (2003).
Take a look at the coaching staff Head Coach Antonio Pierce has brought in to lead the team during the 2024 season.