December 8, 2025 | Football
WACO, Texas – East Carolina University wide receivers coach Dyrell Roberts has been selected for the prestigious 2026 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, presented by Riddell InSite Analytics, the American Football Coaches Association announced Monday.
The program is designed to recognize and develop emerging leaders in the football coaching profession. Participants attend a one-day institute featuring interactive lectures covering leadership, ethics, professional responsibilities, career development, and work-life balance.
Members of the 2026 class receive a stipend to offset expenses for attending the AFCA Convention and gain visibility through features in the AFCA Magazine, AFCA Insider email updates, and content posted on the AFCA website. They also join an elite network of rising coaches and enjoy numerous professional development opportunities.
Eligibility for the program requires applicants to be 35 years old or younger at the start of the convention year and currently serve as a high school head coach, a full-time assistant or head coach at a two-year college, or a full-time assistant or head coach at an NAIA/NCAA school. Applicants submitted a resume, five references, and either a 1,600-word article or a 10-minute instructional video during the summer on a football-related topic of their choice.
Applications for the 2027 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute will be accepted from July 1–31, 2026.
Roberts joins a distinguished list of coaches selected for the 2026 class, including offensive and defensive coordinators, position coaches, and head coaches from programs across the country, highlighting his recognition as one of the rising leaders in the sport.
