East-West Shrine Bowl

College all-star games not only allow NFL teams to assess whether players are ready for the NFL, they allow coaches to showcase their talent as well.

The NFL’s partnership with the East-West Shrine Bowl helps develop the next generation of head coaches. NFL teams select deserving assistant coaches who get the opportunity to show off their skills in the week before and during the game.

The NFL provides the coaching staff and game officials for the annual East-West Shrine Bowl, the nation’s first college all-star football game. In addition, NFL Legends serve as mentors to the Shrine Bowl players and coaches throughout the week.

“The East-West Shrine Bowl is not only a showcase for tremendous athletes who have a dream of playing at the next level, it is also a venue for upwardly mobile coaches in the NFL,” said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent, Sr. “This is an opportunity to further develop, evaluate and showcase our assistant coaches who may be our next generation of head coaches.”

At the end of the NFL regular season, teams nominate assistant coaches who are: 

• Excellent teachers and communicators
• Recognized for their integrity and commitment
• Accomplished at developing and preparing players

A panel of NFL Football Operations staff, East-West Shrine Bowl leadership and two members of the NFL’s General Managers Advisory Committee reviews and selects the game’s head coaches, who fill their 12-person staffs from among the remaining nominated assistant coaches.

On average, more than 300 East-West Shrine Bowl alumni are on NFL rosters each year.

“The relationship between the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL is key to the growth of our game, not only for the hundreds of student-athletes who move on to professional careers, but also to highlight the professional development for coaches, referees, and player personnel staff as they rise through the NFL ranks,” said Bob Roller, executive director of the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Not only is the East-West Shrine Bowl an opportunity to showcase top collegiate talent, but it also provides the NFL with an exhibition to test new technology and potential rule changes.

As part of the NFL’s ongoing commitment to identifying and developing the next-generation of diverse leaders in football, we are excited to have Vikaya Powell (North Carolina A&T), Leigha Presley (Towson University) and Whitley Williams (Furman University) join us for the 2020 EWSB in the areas of Video, Equipment and Athletic Training.

The EWSB will provide a great platform and opportunity to continue their growth along with networking opportunities to help further their careers.

Over the past two years, 19 women have earned 26 employment opportunities with nine NFL clubs (Atlanta, Baltimore, Buffalo, Carolina, Minnesota, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Tampa Bay) and six colleges/universities.

2021 East-West Shrine Bowl Virtual Panel

Although the 2021 East-West Shrine Bowl did not take place in person, student-athletes participated in virtual training and coaching drills with NFL coaches and members of the NFL Operations staff.

“More than 100 of our selected players participated over the two days and were able to hear real-world advice from NFL Legends and current players,” said Bob Roller, executive director of the East-West Shrine Bowl. “Shriners Hospitals for Children is very grateful to all who gave their time to support our efforts. As always, players also learned more about Shriners Hospitals for Children and how, by supporting organizations like ours, they can impact the world outside of sports.”

In addition, the coaches nominated to attend by their general managers participated in virtual sessions with Marvin Lewis, Jim Caldwell, and Scott Pioli on ways to advance their NFL careers.