NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator Marco Butler recently participated in the 2011 NCAA-NFL Football Coaching Academy, which ran from Feb. 13-16 in Orlando, Fla.

Butler was one of 60 participants selected for the program, which was developed to provide the necessary tools and networking opportunities that will enhance the participants' chances at success in the football coaching industry. The program followed the model of the NCAA coaching academies.

“It was an honor to be selected for the program since there weren't many chosen,” Butler said. “It was a great learning experience that will definitely benefit me in this profession. The professional development skills that we learned will assist each of us in the future.”

The NCAA invited football coaches who have less than eight years of college coaching experience. Most of the NCAA participants were ethnic minority football coaches who aspire to one day be head football coaches at NCAA colleges and universities. The NFL participants were NCAA student-athletes who currently play in the NFL and are nearing the end of their professional careers, as well as former NCAA student-athletes who played in the league and are now retired.  

Sessions included instruction from college, NFL and high school coaches, business leaders and athletic administrators. Topics included how to build a personal and professional brand; managing budgets; successful networking; media messaging; tactics to become an offensive/defensive coordinator; understanding coaching contracts; insight to the hiring process; issues in higher education; building relationships in college; effective leadership; understanding the academic landscape; and the interview process. Keynote speakers included Dan Reeves (former head coach of the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons), Brian Kelly (head coach, University of Notre Dame), Aaron Kelton (head coach, Williams College) and Charlie Casserly (former general manager of the Washington Redskins).

Last summer, Butler was selected for an internship with the Dallas Cowboys as part of the NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship. He worked with the team during its training camp.