FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
CONTACT:
Gregory Spicka, Director of Athletic Communications (610) 500-3632; gdspicka@widener.edu

TAMPA, Fla. - Widener Head Football Coach Mike Barainyak was named a finalist in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy, as announced on Tuesday (Apr. 28).

"It is a blessing to be recognized by the Buccaneers for the 2026 National Coaching Academy," said Coach Barainyak. "This experience represents a pivotal moment in my career. I am committed to soaking up every bit of knowledge during my time with the organization and using this platform to elevate my coaching impact on and off the field."

Barainyak joins 24 other finalists in Tampa, Fla. from May 4-10 at the AdventHealth Training Center to "create pathways for coaches seeking the opportunity to work in the National Football League (NFL)." The finalist pool spans four countries with 15 in collegiate coaching, six in the high school level, four coaching abroad, and two in professional leagues.

In addition to taking part in team meetings and on-field coaching sessions with Buccaneers rookies, this year's class will participate in master class sessions with Super-Bowl Champion head coaches Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht. Additional programming will include sessions focused on film review and breakdowns, media training, business insights,and interactive networking opportunities (courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

Barainyak's Coaching Career at Widener

Barainyak completed his seventh year at the helm of the Pride this past season. During his tenure, he has accumulated 31 wins, two Centennial-MAC Bowl games, and an ECAC Tournament game.

The past season showed a dominating season opener showed a 44-18 win over Geneva (Pa.) on Sep. 6, 2025. The season reflected a 4-6 (3-6 MAC) record with a comeback 20-17 OT win over FDU-Florham on Homecoming and a comeback 40-24 win against King's.

Barainyak's squad picked up eight All-Conference selections with a Rookie of the Year. Picking up honors were Fred Adler (ROTY), first team Luke Shimko, second team Michael Miller and Luke Shaeffer, and honorable mentions Jalen Walker, Brandon Yoder, Harrison Stewart-Smith, and Justin Wilson.

In the classroom, 38 student-athletes were named to the MAC Academic Honor Roll, including three on the 4.0 GPAs. Shimko and Shaeffer also earned PhillySIDA Academic All-Area team and Academic All-MAC team recognitions.

To learn more about the Buccaneers' National Coaching Academy, click here.