DJ Daniels Returns as National Scouting Combine Coach for 2026

A Career Built Across Professional Football

The National Scouting Combine is proud to welcome back DJ Daniels as a returning coach for the 2026 event, bringing decades of professional football experience across multiple leagues and levels of the game.

Daniels’ résumé includes six seasons in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Montreal Alouettes, and Toronto Argonauts, along with more than 20 years of indoor and arena football experience across five-plus professional leagues. This wide-ranging background provides him with a rare perspective on how different professional systems evaluate, develop, and retain talent.

Experience as the Ultimate Evaluator

“Experience can’t be measured — it can only be used,” Daniels explains. While testing numbers and measurable metrics matter, his evaluations extend beyond the stopwatch. He looks closely at how players apply coaching, adapt to competition, and handle the demands of a professional environment.

Professionalism Beyond the Field

According to Daniels, professionalism is not a checklist — it is a mindset formed over time. “Professionalism is an attitude gained through experience,” he says. That attitude shows up in preparation, communication, and consistency, both on and off the field.

Understanding Opportunity at Every Stage

Daniels recognizes that athletes arrive at the Combine at different points in their careers. For Draft Eligible players, the National Scouting Combine represents a critical opportunity to open doors and create momentum. For Free Agents, it is an opportunity to remain relevant and continue pursuing professional opportunities.

With his extensive experience and practical approach to player development, DJ Daniels remains a valued presence at the National Scouting Combine, helping athletes understand not just how to be evaluated — but how to build a professional career.