D1 Training Coach Summit 2026: Day 2 Features Education & Fun At New Orleans Saints Facility

NEW ORLEANS — The 2026 D1 Training Coach Summit concluded Friday with another full day of education, collaboration and hands-on training, as more than 100 coaches from across the D1 network gathered at the New Orleans Saints practice facility in Metairie.

2026 D1 COACH SUMMIT DAY 1 RECAP FROM MANNING PASSING ACADEMY

The day began with a keynote presentation from longtime NFL strength and conditioning coach Jeff Friday, whose career has included stops with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings. Friday's presentation, "Coaching for Greatness: Building Athletes from the Inside Out," challenged coaches to develop athletes beyond physical performance by emphasizing leadership, character and relationships.

Throughout the day, coaches attended breakout sessions covering a variety of training and business topics. The sessions gave coaches practical strategies and new ideas they can bring back to their home facilities.

The summit also celebrated excellence across the D1 network with the annual D1 Coach Awards, recognizing outstanding facilities and coaches for their accomplishments over the past year. (We'll have full coverage of this year's award winners in an upcoming D1 Daily story.)

The two-day event concluded the way D1 knows best—with training. Coaches took to the turf inside the New Orleans Saints practice facility for a high-energy workout, putting themselves through the same type of training experience they deliver to athletes every day.

The 2026 D1 Coach Summit once again reinforced D1's commitment to continuing education, collaboration and providing coaches with the tools to help athletes of all ages reach their full potential.

Here are a few pictures from Day 2: