A week of practice has passed. Now, the 2022 Senior Bowl coaching staffs will face off in the game to decide it all, held on Saturday at 2 PM Eastern time. Each year, two NFL teams take on the task of coaching up NFL Draft talent at the event. Which two teams had that job for the 2022 Senior Bowl? Moreover, what do the coaching staffs look like heading into the deciding contest?
2022 Senior Bowl introduces a twist for coaching staffs
In past years, the normal coaching roles carried over for teams at the Senior Bowl. For example, in 2021, Matt Rhule and Brian Flores were the head coaches of their respective teams, true to their position at the NFL level. This year, however, the Senior Bowl added an interesting twist.
In 2022, the Senior Bowl decided to provide developmental opportunities for assistant coaches. The event allowed the chosen teams to elevate an assistant coach to head coach for Senior Bowl weekend. That head coach could also assign two more to offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator roles. Meanwhile, the head coach served in an advisory role during the week.
In addition to the assistant coach opportunities, the Senior Bowl Minority Fellowship allowed several HBCU coaches to join the Detroit Lions and New York Jets’ coaching staffs. This not only provides valuable assistance during game week, but gives the HBCU coaches an opportunity to network, prove their talents, and eventually earn an opportunity at the highest level.
Senior Bowl National Team Coaching Staff
The National Team for the 2022 Senior Bowl is coached by the Jets’ coaching staff. In his place as head coach, Robert Saleh appointed tight ends coach Ron Middleton. Middleton’s offensive coordinator is quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese. His defensive coordinator is linebackers coach Mike Rutenberg.
The Jets also enlist the efforts of two HBCU coaches — Morgan State head coach Tyrone Wheatley and South Carolina State linebackers coach Jonathan Saxon.
Senior Bowl American Team Coaching Staff
On the Lions’ side, assistant head coach and running backs coach Duce Staley is the one taking charge of the American roster. Staley’s offensive coordinator, meanwhile, is tight ends coach Ben Johnson. His defensive coordinator is defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant.
The Lions also added several coaches to their Senior Bowl roster as part of the Minority Fellowship. Virginia State head coach Reggie Barlow was added to help provide assistance to his squad. So too was T.C. Taylor, Jackson State’s offensive coordinator.
According to the Senior Bowl website, the HBCU coaches present in Mobile “will take part in on-field coaching, position meetings, and nightly staff evaluations.” Thus, they serve a vital purpose and gain valuable experience as well.