The Chicago Bears have hired Jennifer King, making her the first female coach in franchise history.
First To Do It
King came to the Bears from the Washington Commanders. King made history already with being a part of the NFL, saying that King “earned this opportunity with hard work” and that “The sky truly is the limit for her.”
Now making history for the second time, King, 39, becomes the first female coach in the franchise’s 104-year history. “Jennifer King is an exceptional leader and passionate coach who will be a positive addition to the Chicago Bears,” President & CEO Kevin Warren said.
King was born August 6, 1984, and had a dominant childhood. King grew up in Reidsville, North Carolina. There she was a seven-time All-American quarterback and wide receiver, and also where she played basketball and softball. After graduating in 2006 with a degree in Sports Management, King played in the Women’s Football Team called the Carolina Phoenix.
The addition of Jennifer King to Matt Eberflus‘ coaching staff as assistant running backs coach is a milestone moment for the Bears. King becoming the first female coach in the franchise’s 104-year history has had to be a huge highlight to her career.
She was a quarterback and receiver for the Carolina Phoenix from 2006-17, then a defensive back and receiver for the New York Sharks in 2018 and a safety for the D.C. Divas in 2019. King then made her way into the NFL as an assistant coach at the NFL’s Women’s Forum. She was hired by Carolina as a coaching intern later that year and spent two seasons in. She is best known for being the first black woman to be a full-time NFL coach for The Chicago Bears.
Fun Facts About King
- Assistant running backs coach for the Washington Commanders in 2021.
- A former two-sport athlete at Guilford College.
- King is a graduate of Guilford College, where she played basketball and softball.
Chicago Bears Hire First-Ever Female Coach
King took the approach of listening and learning first. Jennifer King’s moment came almost upon starting her first NFL job with the Panthers in 2018.
“As the first full-time Black female coach in the history of the National Football League Chicago Bears, Jennifer has established herself as a hard worker, pioneer, and trailblazer.”
Being the first female coaching intern in Carolina was just the beginning of her career and a good start for her.
She added about the current team, “To be a part of that culture that’s in the building is exciting. I think we’re going to do some really cool things and I’m definitely excited for the upcoming season.” Rivera, a former Chicago Bear who was part of the Super Bowl XX team.
Coaching Life
She was offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers in 2023 after working the three previous seasons with the Rams as well. Chicago Bears are thrilled to have King in the building they celebrate and honor her as their new coach. The addition of Jennifer King to Matt Eberflus‘ coaching staff as assistant running backs coach is a milestone moment for the Bears. King, 39, becomes the first female coach in the franchise’s 104-year history.
Per Jones, King will work with the Bears’ running backs in ’24. The Bears ran for 2,399 yards in 2023, second in the league behind the Baltimore Ravens.
In February for Black History Month, USA TODAY Sports published the series,”29 Black Stories in 29 Days. “Chicago is a great city, and the Bears organization is historic.
Why is this important? There’s no reason why a woman can’t be an assistant or head coach in the NFL. Being a coach is more about brain power, schemes and motivation.
Written By Andre Dean
Sources:
Chicago Bears Website – Jennifer King makes history as Bears’ first female coach by Larry Mayer
WTTW – Chicago Bears Add Jennifer King as Their 1st Ever Female Assistant Coach by Associated Press
Fox Sports – Bears add Jennifer King as their first-ever female assistant coach by Fox Sports
Top and featured image Courtesy of All Pro Reels’ Flickr Page – Creative Common License
Inset image Courtesy of All Pro Reels’ Flickr Page – Creative Common License
