NMMI Sports Press

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that Bronco passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nelson Vazquez has been selected from a pool of more than 1,500 applicants to participate in the NFL team's National Coaching Academy in May.

Vazquez, a Tampa native, has been with the Broncos through the most successful four-season stretch in program history, with four bowl game appearances and two wins, including the 2021 National Championship and the reinstated Wool Bowl in 2022.

"This is a great honor and opportunity to learn from a top-notch organization. My family back home is really excited for me," said Vazquez. "It's a full circle moment for me. When I graduated from college in 2014 I was coaching high school ball and working at Raymond James Stadium as a food runner for the suites."

According to the Buccaneers, the coaching academy delivers an intensive, comprehensive curriculum and opportunity to participate in the team's 2024 rookie minicamp for coaching candidates seeking their first entry into the NFL.

The course is open to all persons with three or more years of coaching experience in a football program at the high school, college or semi-professional league level, irrespective of background or status. A global search produced 25 finalists who will be awarded full scholarships to cover costs in Tampa for the weeklong event.

Participants will receive valuable on-field experience, interactive sessions, business insights, media training, film review, and instruction on key football software with NFL players, coaches and staff.

Vazquez said he learned about the academy from former Texas Tech defensive back and mentor Ricky Sailor. Part of the application process included analyzing NFL game film and providing feedback.

"They showed me a clip of the Bucs versus the Jets and I had to basically say what the defense did well, what they didn't do well and then give coaching points for the players," he said.

Vazquez praised his Bronco Football colleagues for helping him grow as a coach over the past four years.

"Being around these guys and getting to pick their brains has really helped me become a better coach. We have so much experience on this staff and guys that have played or coached at a high level," he said. "I honestly feel like if I had gotten this opportunity a couple years ago I wouldn't have been ready for it, but my time with these coaches and this team has prepared me well."

Taufa'asau said Vazquez has been a tremendous asset to the Broncos, for both his coaching prowess and rapport with players.

"This is a great opportunity for him to learn and continue to build a network that will help him down the road," he said. "It will also help our kids and program when he brings back that knowledge to our staff and team."

Vazquez played his prep ball at Henry B. Plant High School in South Tampa where he helped lead the Panthers to a Florida state championship in 2008. He went on to play receiver for Mendocino College in California and later ran track and played football for Fort Hays State University in Kansas where he earned a degree in justice studies with a minor in sociology.

Vazquez got into coaching in 2015 as a wide receivers coach at his alma mater before taking a job at Wesley Chapel High, where he coached wideouts and coordinated the offense.

"I think what makes me a good coach is my ability to connect with players and understanding that development starts with knowing that every player's learning style is different," he said. "Different players require different motivations to bring out the best version of themselves."

Upon completion of the minicamp, the coaching and front office staffs will select five participants to transition into the long-established Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, a program designed to expose coaches to NFL training camps and offseason workout programs.

Coach "Nelly," a Bucs fan, said he's excited to work with successful coaches and NFL executives while getting to visit his old stomping grounds.

"Whether I'm working with the quarterback and coach (Thaddeus) Lewis or the receivers and coach (Bryan) McClendon, I just plan on being able to expand my knowledge with those positions and rub elbows with some elite coaches and front office people," he said. "And getting to do it with my Bucs is icing on the cake."