CHICAGO (CBS) – This week, the Chicago Bears announced the hiring of Jennifer King, the first female coach in the 104-year history of the team.
King, 39, will work as a running backs coach’s assistant.
Team President and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement, “Jennifer King is an exceptional leader and passionate coach who will be a positive addition to the Chicago Bears.” As the National Football League’s first Black female coach hired on a full-time basis, Jennifer has made a name for herself as a dedicated worker, trailblazer, and pioneer.
King participated in Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) games as a safety for the D.C. Divas in 2019, a defensive back and receiver for the New York Sharks in 2018, and a quarterback and receiver for the Carolina Phoenix from 2006 to 2017.
She was first hired as a coaching intern by the Carolina Panthers in 2018. When she was promoted to assistant running backs coach by the Washington Commanders in 2021, she became the first Black woman to be named a full-time NFL coach. For the previous three seasons, she has performed that function in Washington.
King said in a statement, “Chicago is a great city, and the Bears organization is historic.” “I started paying attention to the Bears playing video games like Tecmo Bowl back in the day because Walter Payton was unstoppable in the game.”
Regarding the current team, she continued, “It is exciting to be a part of the building’s culture. I am eager for the next season because I think we are going to do some really amazing things.”
King attended Guilford College to play softball and basketball before earning a degree in sports management in 2006.