TAMPA, Fla. — Bemidji State University Football Co-Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator Shevin Smith Jr. has been selected to participate in the 2026 Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy, as announced by the Buccaneers Tuesday morning. 
 
Smith is entering his second season on the staff for the Beavers after spending time at the University of Nebraska from January 2023 to January 2025. Prior to the Huskers, Smith served as a defensive intern with the Indianapolis Colts after completing his collegiate playing career at Baylor University. 
 
"I am very appreciative to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization for giving me this opportunity to grow and learn within the halls of their facility," said Smith. "It will assuredly be a week of great development. I am very excited to learn not only more about football schematics, but more professional and leadership development tools as well. It means just as much to me personally as it does professionally. My dad was drafted by the Buccaneers in the late 90s after starting out as a walk on at Florida State. I also am grateful to represent Bemidji State University and Bemidji State Football through this experience."
 
Today, 25 finalists were named out of nearly 1,000 applicants for the 2026 Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy. Now in its third year, the Academy 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 finalists represent four countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany and England. 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.
 
Of the 25 selected, 15 work in the collegiate ranks, while six hold roles at the high school level. Four occupy coaching positions abroad, two of which are in professional leagues. All participants will be awarded scholarships to cover the costs of the Academy while in Tampa. Information on those selected can be found HERE.
 
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 Super-Bowl Champion head coaches Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht. Additional programming will include sessions focused on film review and breakdowns, media training, business insights, and interactive networking opportunities.
 
"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."
 
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy is open to individuals with at least three years of coaching or football program experience at the high school, collegiate, or semi-professional level who are driven to take the next step toward the NFL. Upon completion of the team's rookie minicamp, the coaching and front office staffs will then select five top candidates to return for additional hand-on experience at the team's training camp and the 2026 preseason.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Football program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversFB).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).