Thirty-nine NCAA football coaches are among the participants to attend the 2016 NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy Feb. 19-21 in Tampa, Florida.

A committee composed of coaches and administrators from the Association membership selected 29 participants from the NCAA. The NFL selected 30 participants, many also current NCAA coaches, through an internal process.

Developed in 2011 as a collaborative effort between NCAA leadership development and NFL Player Engagement to boost diversity in the college game, invitees from NCAA member schools are coaches who have fewer than eight years of college coaching experience. The college coaches will learn and network with NCAA athletics administrators, NCAA national office staff, current and former NFL players, NFL directors of player personnel and NFL Player Engagement staff. At the academy, coaches are trained in a variety of areas that encourage effective coaching and improve student-athlete well-being at both the college and professional levels. The coaches gain knowledge from a variety of workshops and interactive discussion sessions. Topical education and conversation during the academy can include effective communication with campus and community constituents; the importance of building a culture focused on the overall success of athletes, both on and off the field; budget management of a football program; and coaching strategies and philosophies. The group will grow a professional network of individuals that include the other participants, NCAA and NFL staff, and other key resources in the sport.