The Chicago Bears appoint Jennifer King as a running backs coach, making her the first female coach in the franchise’s history. King, a former assistant with the Commanders, takes on this significant role.

The Chicago Bears have made a historic move by hiring Jennifer King as their first female coach in franchise history. King, who previously served as an offensive assistant for the Washington Commanders, will now work with the Bears’ running backs under the leadership of head coach Matt Eberflus.

Jennifer King, a trailblazer in her field, recently held the distinction of being the first Black woman to serve as a full-time coach in the NFL during her tenure with the Commanders. Bears president & CEO Kevin Warren expressed enthusiasm about King joining the team, citing her exceptional leadership and coaching passion.

Having spent three seasons in Washington under Ron Rivera, King previously interned with Rivera during his coaching stints with the Carolina Panthers and the Commanders. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role and is recognized for her hard work and groundbreaking achievements.

Reflecting on her new position, King acknowledged the historical significance of becoming the first full-time Black female coach in the Bears’ storied history. She expressed excitement about joining the Bears organization, a team she admired even in her earlier days when playing video games featuring legendary player Walter Payton.

King’s journey into coaching began when she met Rivera at the NFL’s Women’s Forum in 2018, leading to her internship with the Carolina wide receivers. She later worked with running backs and followed Rivera to the Commanders. King has a diverse background, having worked with the Arizona Hotshots, served as an offensive assistant for Dartmouth, and engaged in various roles outside of football, including coaching basketball and working as a flight attendant, personal trainer, and police officer.

As one of the few women in full-time coaching roles in the NFL, King’s hiring reflects the league’s increasing recognition of diverse talent and its commitment to fostering inclusivity within the coaching ranks. Currently, there are 12 women in full-time coaching positions across nine NFL teams.