June 16, 2011

Inge Chosen To Be Part of NCAA Champion Forum

ORLANDO, FL – University at Buffalo defensive coordinator William Inge is one of seven Division I assistant football coaches and athletic directors from across the nation taking part in the NCAA's 2011 Champion Forum this weekend in Orlando, FL. The event is being held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) convention.

The Champion Forum features a select group of football coaches who have been identified as potential candidates for head football coaching positions at NCAA colleges or universities. The coaches, who were selected by athletics administrators, are generally ethnic minorities who have completed the NCAA Expert program.
During the Forum, the coaches, athletics directors and speakers will have time to develop professional relationships in a more informal, private setting. There will be simulated interview sessions, media training, keynote speakers, and opportunities to discuss key topics such as understanding and developing culture within their team and the athletics department and effectively engaging with the campus and academic staff after becoming a head football coach.

"The Champion Forum is instrumental because it introduces the football coaches to individuals and processes that they otherwise might not have known or been exposed to," said Robert Vowels, vice president for NCAA student-athlete affairs. "Networks are critical when seeking a head coaching position. Though we've seen some progress in minority hiring at the head coach level in football, we still attempt to expose individuals from underrepresented groups to those key networks in football because it may help balance the coaching numbers."

In addition to the Champion Forum, the NCAA Leadership Development group also administers the Future Coaches Academy for student-athletes who want to learn more about the football coaching field; the NFL-NCAA Football Coaches Academy (position coaches); and the Expert Forum (coordinators and assistant/associate head coaches). The NCAA created its Coaching Academies in 2004.

"What an honor it is to have been selected as a participant in the NCAA Champions Forum," said Inge. "I can't thank Coach Quinn, Warde Manuel or our great University enough for their continued support on professional development. I really look forward to learning and understanding more on this great craft."