The NFL is hosting their first Coach and Front Office Accelerator this week at the Spring League Meeting in Atlanta. Bills assistant director of player personnel Terrance Gray and senior defensive assistant/defensive line coach Eric Washington will be in attendance.
The event runs from Monday, May 23 to Tuesday, May 24 and is aimed to promote greater diversity among clubs. More than 60 head coach and general manager prospects were invited to the networking opportunity. The group will take part in leadership development sessions and have the opportunity to create connections with team owners.
Each club selected two prospects to be a part of the two-day Accelerator. The NFL hopes this program will lead to more diversity in head coach and general manager roles.
"The NFL is committed to diversity and inclusion, and this program is the latest in a series of steps designed to improve our hiring practices and create opportunities for advancement," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "The program helps ensure that clubs receive exposure to high-performing, up-and-coming NFL talent and candidates get a chance to learn the business on a working level from team owners and executives."
"I think the Accelerator is some of the most important work the League and our committee will do all year because the potential of the program is exponential," said Owner and Chairman, Blank Family of Businesses Arthur Blank. "It's an unprecedented opportunity for emerging leaders, owners and team leadership to get to know each other better over these two days, and the relationships formed in this setting will be integral to future hiring cycles."
Gray was promoted to assistant director of player personnel in 2020 after spending a few seasons as the director of college scouting. He joined the Bills in 2017 after spending 11 seasons as a college scout with the Minnesota Vikings. Gray worked in player development and player personnel from 2003 to 2005 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Washington joined the Bills in 2020 as their defensive line coach. In addition to coaching the defensive line, Washington was promoted to senior defensive assistant in 2022. He spent 2011 to 2019 with the Carolina Panthers as their defensive line coach (2011-2017) and defensive coordinator (2018-2019). Washington coached for the Bears from 2008 to 2010 as they defensive assistant and defensive line coach.
