The Chicago Bears made history this week when they announced the hiring of Jennifer King, the franchise’s first female coach in 104 years.
King, 39, will work as an assistant running back coach.
“Jennifer King is an exceptional leader and passionate coach who will be a positive addition to the Chicago Bears,” stated team President and CEO Kevin Warren in a statement. “As the first full-time Black female coach in the history of the National Football League, Jennifer has established herself as a hard worker, pioneer, and trailblazer.”
King competed in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) as a quarterback and receiver for the Carolina Phoenix from 2006 to 2017, a defensive back and receiver for the New York Sharks in 2018, and a safety for the D.C. Divas in 2019.
She was hired as a coaching intern by the Carolina Panthers in 2018, and in 2021, she became the first Black woman to be named a full-time NFL coach when the Washington Commanders promoted her to assistant running backs coach. She has been in that job in Washington for the past three seasons.
“Chicago is a great city, and the Bears organization is historic,” King stated. “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.”
She said of the present crew, “Being a part of that culture that’s in the building is wonderful. I believe we’re going to accomplish some very cool stuff, and I’m quite enthusiastic about the forthcoming season.”
King played basketball and softball at Guilford College before earning a degree in sports management in 2006.
