NFL to Explore New Development League This Offseason

NFL’s head of football operations, Troy Vincent, will formally propose a proper development league this offseason for the first time in 10 years. Having worked with the likes of NFL general managers Ryan Grigson and John Schneider, as well as former head coach Tom Coughlin, Vincent will begin meeting with the Competition Committee, coaches, and the NFL Players’ Association after this season to discuss how the league can better develop its young players, coaches and referees. According to CBS Sports, Vincent and his team will propose a spring-time league as well as in-season academies that would train players not under contract as they get workouts and jobs throughout the season. Unfortunately, there aren’t many details on what exactly will be proposed, so be sure to stay tuned this offseason.

This news comes as the NFL continues to make headlines for its decrease in TV ratings — arguably due to poor play and lack of superstars — and the scrutiny that continues to swirl around part-time league officials for botched calls.

It’s been almost a decade since the NFL shuttered the doors of NFL Europe, which served as a development league of sort to its parent company. With all that is happening, it may be time for the league to seriously consider Vincent’s programs.