Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson will be one of 60 participants in the 2022 NFL coach and front office accelerator program being held during the spring league meetings May 23-24 in Atlanta, the NFL announced on Thursday.
Part of the NFL’s commitment to increased diversity in coaching and executive ranks, the accelerator program will provide leadership development sessions, discussion groups and networking opportunities.
“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,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a press release. “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 Falcons owner 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.”
Participants will be drawn from both the league office and the member teams. The roles of participants range from position coaches and coordinators to to scouts, personnel directors and vice presidents.
Jackson, 42, was hired by the Steelers in February and is his first season with the team. He spent the last two seasons with the Carolina Panthers and was the receivers coach for the Tennessee Titans in 2017.
Before that, he was a receivers coach at the collegiate level for Baylor (2018-19), Temple (2015-16), NC State (2013-14), North Illinois (2012), Akron (2010-11) and Western Illinois (2008-09). Jackson worked for Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada and alongside running backs coach Eddie Faulkner for two seasons at NC State.
A Chicago native, Jackson played quarterback at North Illinois from 1997-99, while Canada was on the staff there as running backs coach. He transferred to Western Illinois and made the shift to wide receiver for his senior season in 2000, where he holds the school’s single-game records for receptions and yards.
He spent six seasons in the NFL, five with the Cleveland Browns after joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He finished his career with 40 catches for 490 yards and one touchdown.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich will also participate in the accelerator as part of his role as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator. The full list of participants can be found here.