The Jacksonville Jaguars have hosted an assistant coach during this year's training camp as part of the NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship Program. Shannon Johnson has been with the team since training camp practices began on July 26.

"Shannon has taken advantage of a good opportunity," said Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio. "I'm confident that he'll take the things he learns here back to his team, as many coaches have done through this program."

Johnson has been working with Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith and linebackers coach Mike Haluchak. He currently coaches the defensive line at Indiana State, his alma mater, where he was a two-time All-Gateway Conference selection and is the school's all-time leading sacker.

"The program has been a good experience, and I'm learning a lot as far as the business aspect of the pro game," said Johnson. "I've learned a lot about what it takes to be a coach and dealing with athletes in general, so I appreciate the opportunity Jacksonville has given me. It makes me feel good to see guys like Marvin Lewis and Herman Edwards, who have been in this program, get head coaching jobs. It makes me work harder because those guys are great coaches and there are other great coaches out there who can do a great job, too. If they can do it, it gives me the drive to keep going and set my goals high."

In addition to Johnson, former star kick returner Tyrone Hughes and former Jaguars defensive lineman Fernando Smith have been working with the coaching staff as guests during training camp.

The National Football League Minority Coaching Fellowship Program began in 1987. In 17 years, more than 700 coaches have taken part in the program.