The Senior Bowl is a traditional post-season college football all-star game that takes place annually in Mobile, Alabama. Typically, the game is held on a Saturday in late January or early February. This event serves as a showcase for top NFL draft prospects who have completed their college eligibility, providing them with a platform to impress NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. The game also gives draft prospects a chance to experience how pro-rules NFL works. Founded in 1950, the Senior Bowl has evolved into a significant event in the NFL's pre-draft process. The inaugural game was held at Gator Bowl Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, before moving to Mobile's Ladd–Peebles Stadium, where it remained until 2020. Since 2021, the game has been hosted at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama. Over its 75-year history, the Senior Bowl has featured many legendary players, including Hall of Famers like Joe Namath and Walter Payton, and has become a critical stepping stone for many athletes aiming for professional football careers. According to the NFL, approximately 30% of 2024-25 NFL rosters consist of Senior Bowl alumni.
The Senior Bowl typically features two teams—popularly known as the National and American squads—coached by staff from two NFL teams. This setup allows players to experience coaching styles that differ from their college programs. The game is played under modified professional rules to better prepare players for the NFL. For instance, receivers must have both feet in bounds for catches, contrasting with college rules that only require one foot. In recent years, the format has been updated to include advisory roles for head coaches while promoting assistant coaches to leadership positions. This change aims to enhance player development during the week leading up to the game.
Senior Bowl Coaches Appearances
As of Senior Bowl 2024, the following is the list of coaches who have appeared in four or more Senior Bowls,
Games | Head coach | W | L | T | Win pct. |
8 | Paul Brown | 6 | 2 | – | .750 |
7 | Weeb Ewbank | 5 | 2 | – | .714 |
6 | Steve Owen | 3 | 3 | – | .500 |
4 | Marty Schottenheimer | 3 | 1 | – | .750 |
4 | Don Shula | 2 | 1 | 1 | .625 |
4 | Jon Gruden | 2 | 2 | – | .500 |
4 | Tom Landry | 1 | 2 | 1 | .375 |
FAQs on Senior Bowl
A. The National team won the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl where they defeated the American team 16-7.
A. 2024 Senior Bowl is in Mobile, Alabama.
A. The Senior Bowl began in Jacksonville, Florida in 1950 with the South squad taking home a 22-13 victory. Jimmie Pearre, a Nashville businessman, had the inspiration of a post-season bowl game of strictly senior All-Star players.