TAMPA, Fla. (April 28, 2026) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers uncovered its 25 finalists for the National Coaching Academy Class of 2026 where Howard University football saw recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach Nicholas Gould selected for the program. The announcement came Tuesday morning.
 
The Academy, now in its third year, was created by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking the opportunity to work in the National Football League (NFL) as part of their longstanding commitment to developing leaders. This year's pool had nearly 1,000 applicants and since the Academy was established, it has drawn more than 3,000 applicants from 22 different countries with seven nations represented by selected finalists in the last three years.
 
"My staff and I look forward to welcoming and working alongside the newest class of the Buccaneers National Coaching Academy in the coming weeks," said Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles. "The Glazer family is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for deserving coaches, and we've set out to build something with lasting impact. The access, education and connections these coaches gain here are truly unique and will play a significant role in shaping their career paths."
 
Gould is in his second stint with the team, re-joining the program as tight ends coach (2022). In 2024, Gould moved to outside linebacker coach. A year later (2025), he was promoted to recruiting coordinator and linebacker coach. Since his return, he guided the Bison to back-to-back MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championship and first ever berth to the Cricket Celebration Bowl (2023).
 
In 2024, Gould saw Terrance Hollon earn All-MEAC Second Team after recording a MEAC-leading four fumble recoveries, which ranked second in the nation. Additionally, Hollon was named a William V. Campbell Trophy Finalist, which recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
 
All participants will be awarded scholarships to cover the costs of the Academy while in Tampa. The Academy will take place from May 4-10 at the AdventHealth Training Center.
 
In addition to taking part in team meetings and on-field coaching sessions with Buccaneers rookies, this year's class will participate in masterclass sessions with Coach Bowles, Super-Bowl Champion head coaches Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber and general manager Jason Licht. Additional programming will include sessions focused on film review and breakdowns, media training, business insights and interactive networking opportunities.
 
This year's finalists represent four countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany and England. Of the 25 selected, 15 work in the collegiate ranks, six hold roles at the high school level and four occupy coaching positions abroad, including two in professional leagues.
 
On Aug. 29, HU takes on Alabama A&M in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy website at www.buccaneers.com/nationalcoachingacademy.