The Chicago Bears are not afraid of diversity or equity. The team currently has a black President and CEO — Kevin Warren. They also have a black general manager — Ryan Poles. Now, they have added their first-ever female coach. Jennifer King makes franchise history as the first woman to hold a coaching position. She isn't some part-time coach either. King will hold the position of offensive assistant to the running backs coach. This means she will report directly to new running backs coach Chad Morton. Let's hope he does a better job than David Walker.
Jennifer King spent her entire four-year career with the Commanders before accepting this assistant job with Chicago. While in Washington, King made NFL history when she was promoted from being an intern to assistant running backs coach. She was the first African American female to become a full-time assistant position coach. She also spent time interning on Ron Rivera's staff in Carolina. With Rivera fired in Washington, King had to find a new home.
The Chicago Bears have revamped their offensive coaching staff
Before getting into coaching, King was a player in the Women's Football Alliance. She played in the Division 2 league for the Carolina Phoenix for 12 years — quarterback, wide receiver, and safety. If you are interested in watching some of her highlights in the WFA, you can check them out here. King was known by her teammates as "Jet." She was extremely athletic and it showed. She was a seven-time All-American for the Phoenix. Apparently, she didn't want to play quarterback, but her high football IQ helped her find success at the position. It's what has helped her transition into coaching.
King is now one of 12 women holding a full-time coaching position in the NFL. I applaud the Bears for making a historic move like this and all signs point to her being a solid running backs coach. Washington saw plenty of success at the running back position during her tenure. It may have helped that she was able to pick the brain and help train star running back Christian McCaffrey. I am excited to see where she can take her career.