Two members of the Detroit Lions coaching staff will take part in the National Football League Front Office and Coaching Accelerator Program beginning Monday.

The league selected 16 coaches and 18 front office candidates to participate in the event. Among those chosen are Lions passing game coordinator Mike Kafka and passing game specialist David Shaw.

NFL Accelerator Program Details

The program will run May 18–20 in Orlando, Florida and is designed to help prepare participants for potential NFL head coach and general manager roles. The initiative was paused last season but returns this year as part of the league’s ongoing effort to develop leadership candidates.

According to a memo sent to all 32 NFL teams, the May accelerator aims to advance talent from underrepresented groups while remaining open to qualified senior-level candidates from all backgrounds.

David Shaw Entering Second Season With Detroit

Shaw is entering his second season with the Lions under head coach Dan Campbell. Before joining Detroit, Shaw spent time in the front office of the Denver Broncos.

Prior to that role, he served as the head coach at Stanford University, building a strong reputation in college football.

Shaw also brings extensive NFL experience. He began his coaching career in 1997 with the Philadelphia Eagles as a quality control coach. Later, he worked four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders under Jon Gruden and spent time with the Baltimore Ravens before transitioning to the college ranks, including a stint working with Jim Harbaugh.

Mike Kafka’s Rapid Coaching Rise

Kafka will be entering his first season with the Lions after previously serving as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants. He also briefly stepped in as the team’s interim head coach following the firing of Brian Daboll.

His coaching career began in 2017 with the Kansas City Chiefs as a quality control coach. Kafka steadily climbed the coaching ranks and became the Chiefs’ passing game coordinator by the 2021 season before leaving for the Giants.

Head coach Dan Campbell recently praised Kafka during an interview with play-by-play broadcaster Dan Miller.

“Kafka, interim head coach, OC, coached quarterbacks. I just feel like the sky is the limit for him,” Campbell said. “He’s been a great addition and will continue to be moving forward.”

Lions Preparing for OTAs

The Detroit Lions will begin organized team activities (OTAs) later this month, with the first session scheduled for May 27–29 as the team continues preparations for the upcoming NFL season.