Who Is Jennifer King? Meet NFL’s 1st Full-Time Black Female Coach Spearheading Chicago Bears’ Offense

As the Washington Commanders embark on a new chapter with a revamped coaching staff, fans are brimming with excitement for the fresh energy and perspective it brings. However, amidst the changes, there’s a bittersweet sentiment as they bid farewell to familiar faces, with assistant running backs coach Jennifer King standing out as one of the most beloved.

King, whose impact transcended her coaching role, has left an indelible mark on the Commanders’ community. Her departure to join the Chicago Bears as an offensive assistant marks the end of an era for Washington fans. Interestingly, King’s move reunites her with former Washington defensive end Montez Sweat, adding an element of familiarity to her new journey in Chicago.

The Bears are thrilled to have King in the building. According to King, “To be a first in such a historic organization is a special moment. 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.”

Ryan Poles, the general manager, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are extremely excited to welcome Jennifer to our coaching staff. She is a great addition to our running backs room and brings years of valuable playing and coaching experience to the table.” Head Coach Matt Eberflus also shared his enthusiasm. He showered praise on King and said that he looked forward to working with her.

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“She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our football team. She has a contagious spirit and coaches the game with immense passion.” Let’s take a deep dive into her career so far.

King is a pioneering coach

Growing up in Reidsville, N.C., King pursued her passion for sports at Guilford College. King spent 12 seasons as a standout player for the Carolina Phoenix women’s tackle football team. She’s also a seven-time All-American quarterback and wide receiver for the squad. After earning her degree in sports management in 2006, King embarked on an impressive playing career in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA). She showcased her skills as a quarterback, receiver, defensive back, and safety for various teams over the years.

In 2018, King crossed paths with then-Panthers’ coach Ron Rivera at the NFL’s Women’s Forum, expressing her desire to work in the league. This encounter led to her hiring as a coaching intern with the Carolina Panthers, marking the beginning of her NFL journey. Accompanying Rivera to the Commanders in 2020, King continued to hone her coaching skills.

Her dedication and talent earned her a historic promotion to assistant RB coach with Washington, making her the first Black woman to hold such a position in NFL history. In 2021, King made history once again, becoming the first Black female primary position coach in the NFL.

Too soon to say now, but could she one day become the first female Head Coach in NFL history? We’re definitely rooting for that to happen.