Women Coaches in NFL have achieved remarkable strides in the traditionally male-dominated world of sports in recent years. This article delves into the historical context of women’s involvement in coaching NFL teams, shedding light on their exceptional achievements, barrier-breaking endeavors, and the profound inspiration they provide to future generations of female coaches
Women Coaches in the NFL
The National Football League (NFL) has been a male-dominated league for its entire history. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of women breaking into the coaching ranks.
A Brief History of Women in NFL Coaching
The first woman to coach in the NFL was Kathryn Smith, who was hired by the Buffalo Bills in 2016 as a defensive assistant. Smith made history as the NFL’s inaugural full-time female coach.
In 2017, Jennifer Welter became the first woman to coach a regular-season NFL game. Welter was an intern with the Arizona Cardinals and was given the opportunity to coach special teams during a preseason game.
Since then, there has been a steady increase in the number of women coaching in the NFL. In 2022, there were 15 women coaching in the NFL, including Lori Locust, who became the first woman to coach a position group (defensive line) in the Super Bowl.
The First Women Coaches in the NFL
Kathryn Smith
Kathryn Smith was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1985. She played college football at St. John’s University in New York City, and after college, she worked as a scout and intern for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. In 2016, she was hired by the Buffalo Bills as a defensive assistant, becoming the first full-time female coach in NFL history. She was fired by the Bills in 2017, but she is currently a coach in the XFL.
Jennifer Welter
Jennifer Welter was born in Houston, Texas, in 1974. She played college football at Longwood University in Virginia, and after college, she played professional women’s football for the Dallas Diamonds and the Chicago Force. In 2015, she was hired by the Arizona Cardinals as a training camp intern, and in 2017, she was given the opportunity to coach special teams during a preseason game. She was the first woman to coach a regular-season NFL game. She is currently a coach in the Women’s Football Alliance.
Katie Sowers
Katie Sowers was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1989. She played college football at the University of Central Missouri, and after college, she worked as a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs women’s flag football team. In 2017, she was hired by the San Francisco 49ers as an offensive assistant. She was the first woman to coach in a Super Bowl. She is a coach in the National Football League Players Association’s (NFLPA) Legends Community Coaching Program.
Callie Brownson
Callie Brownson was born in San Diego, California, in 1988. She played college football at Azusa Pacific University in California, and after college, she worked as a coach for the Los Angeles Rams’ women’s flag football team. In 2017, she was hired by the Cleveland Browns as a defensive assistant. She was the first woman to be a full-time assistant coach on an NFL staff. She is currently a coach in the National Football League (NFL)’s Diversity Coaching Fellowship Program.
Jennifer King
Jennifer King was born in Washington, D.C., in 1987. She played college football at Hampton University in Virginia, and after college, she worked as a coach for the Washington Redskins’ women’s flag football team. In 2020, she was hired by the Washington Football Team as an offensive assistant. She was the first woman to be a full-time offensive coach on an NFL staff. She is currently a coach in the NFL’s Diversity Coaching Fellowship Program.
More Article:
The Growth of Women in NFL Coaching
The growth of women in NFL coaching has been slow but steady. In 2016, there was only one woman coaching in the NFL. By 2022, that number had grown to 15.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the growth of women in NFL coaching. One factor is the increasing number of women playing college football. As more women play college football, there are more women who are qualified to coach at the NFL level.
Another factor is the NFL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The NFL has made a number of initiatives to increase the number of women in coaching, including the Women’s Career Development Program and the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.
READ MORE: The Worst Trades in NFL History
The Challenges of Being a Woman Coach in the NFL
Despite the progress that has been made, there are still challenges that women face as coaches in the NFL. One challenge is the perception that women are not qualified to coach at the NFL level. This perception is often based on the idea that women do not have the same knowledge or experience as men.
Another challenge is the lack of mentorship and support for women coaches. There are not as many women coaches in the NFL as there are men, so it can be difficult for women to find mentors and support networks.
The Impact of Women Coaches on the NFL
Women coaches are having a positive impact on the NFL. They are bringing new perspectives and ideas to the game and helping create a more inclusive environment.
Women coaches are also role models for young girls and women who aspire to play or coach football. By seeing women in coaching positions, young girls and women can see that they can achieve their dreams, regardless of their gender.
READ MORE: 10 Mind-Blowing NFL Rookie Seasons That Transcend Time
The Future of Women in NFL Coaching
The future of women in NFL coaching is bright. The NFL is committed to diversity and inclusion, and the number of women coaching in the NFL is expected to continue to grow.
Conclusion
The NFL is a male-dominated league, but there are a growing number of women who are working in the league in various capacities. The NFL has made a number of commitments to increasing female representation in the league, and it is likely that we will see even more women in the NFL in the years to come.
READ MORE: Curious and Quirky: The Top 30 Weird Facts about NFL Games
FAQs
How many female coaches are there in the NFL currently?
The exact number may vary, but several NFL teams now have female coaches on their staff.
Are female coaches treated differently from their male counterparts?
While there have been improvements, female coaches still face some unique challenges related to gender biases.
Who was the first female coach in the NFL?
Kathryn Smith made history as the first full-time female coach in the NFL, working with the Buffalo Bills.
How do female coaches contribute to the success of their teams?
Female coaches bring diverse perspectives, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the game to their teams.
Are there any female head coaches in the NFL?
As of now, there are no female head coaches in the NFL, but with the progress being made, it may change in the future.
Can a female coach a men’s team?
Yes, a female can coach a men’s team. In fact, there have been a number of women who have coached men’s football teams, at all levels of the game. The most well-known example is Katie Sowers, who was an offensive assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and 2020. Sowers was the first woman to coach in a Super Bowl, and she helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game in 2020.
Has a woman ever managed a men’s team?
No, a woman has never managed a men’s NFL team. However, there have been a number of women who have held other high-level positions in the NFL, such as general manager and head of football operations. In 2022, Catherine Raîche was the first woman to be interviewed for a general manager position in the NFL.
Can women join the NFL?
Yes, women can join the NFL. In fact, there are currently a number of women working in the NFL in various capacities, including coaching, scouting, and front office positions. The NFL has also made a number of commitments to increasing female representation in the league, such as launching the NFL Women’s Career Development Program in 2019.
How big is an NFL coaching staff?
The size of an NFL coaching staff varies from team to team, but it typically includes around 20-25 coaches. The head coach is the most senior coach on the staff, and they are responsible for overseeing the entire coaching operation. The other coaches on the staff typically specialize in different areas of the game, such as offense, defense, special teams, and strength and conditioning.
What percentage of women are in the NFL?
The percentage of women in the NFL is still relatively small, but it is growing. In 2022, there were an estimated 15 female coaches in the NFL, which represents about 2% of all coaches in the league. The NFL has set a goal of having 7% female coaches by 2027.
