Being early on in his coaching career makes Ibrahim "eager to learn and grow in the space." He knew that the Bill Walsh fellowship would expose him to many different facets of the NFL coaching experience, and he didn't want any opportunity to become better to pass him by during his time with the Burgundy & Gold.
"It's just trying to pick up these little nuggets," Ibrahim said. "It may not even have to do with football; it may just be an organizational skill; it may be learning about some culture-building things that I can incorporate into my room or suggest to our staff to help us continue to be a closer unit."
Meanwhile, Reid Sanders has been through the Bill Walsh fellowship experience before...Well, a version of it at least. His time with the Cleveland Browns took place during the height of the COVID-pandemic. Sanders said having to "not just be behind the computer screen" and "having full access to everything" has come with extra gratitude during this second rotation.
The University of West Georgia quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator got into coaching after turning the hardship of multiple injuries as a college athlete into new purpose.
"When I was hurt, my job was to be the best teammate I could," he said. "My saving grace was my brain. I wasn't the tallest or the biggest, but I was able to compete because of my brain. As I was helping them, I started to enjoy it."
Sanders' first formal role was in 2012, and he has been coaching ever since. Working with Washington's quarterbacks room during OTAs provided invaluable knowledge he knows will help him on the path to reaching his goals.
"It's eight people that have a lot of experience, either playing the position [or] coaching the position," Sanders said. "It's been great just being able to sit in meetings, pick their brains, ask questions, just learn as much as I can."
Also in the coaching game since 2012 is Bill Walsh fellow Dino Waites. A standout safety at Carson-Newman University, Waites has been a difference-maker as a coach, earning honors such as AFCA Coach of the Year and helping Liberty University reached unprecedent heights last season. A disciplined, focused attitude around work has been key to every success in the eyes of Waits.