ITTA BENA, MS. – Mississippi Valley State University's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Ray Caldwell, has been selected to participate in the 2016 NCAA and NFL Coach Academy, February 19th-21^st, in Tampa, Florida.
 
Caldwell finished his first season as offensive coordinator for MVSU, where he coached the Southwestern Athletic Conference Freshman Player of the Year, Booker Chambers.

The NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy provides current, full-time intercollegiate football coaches at NCAA member institutions, some who are former NFL athletes, an opportunity to expand their knowledge and insight into the world of intercollegiate football coaching.

During the three-day academy, the NCAA leadership development staff and the National Football League Player Engagement are able to educate and train selected participants in a variety of areas that encourage effective coaching and improve student-athletes' well-being at both the intercollegiate and professional levels. Typical education and conversation during the academy may include: effective communication with campus and community constituents; the importance of building culture focused on the overall success of the student-athletes both on and off the field; budget management of a football program; coaching strategies and philosophies.

As a participant at this academy, Caldwell will gain knowledge from a variety of workshops and interactive-discussion sessions. He will also be able to network with individuals that include the other participants, NCAA and NFL staff and other key resources in the industry. Keynote speakers have included Arizona State head coach Todd Graham, Baylor University head coach Art Briles, legendary NFL coaches Dan Reeves and Dennis Green, NFL Hall of Famer Mike Singletary, and Tyrone Willingham, former head coach at Notre Dame, Stanford and the University of Washington.