For the first time in history, a woman will be a coach on an NFL team. The Arizona Cardinals have brought on Jen Welter to coach inside linebackers.
Welter was “collegiate rugby player who played 14 seasons of pro football, mostly in the Women’s Football Alliance.” She won four championships with the Dallas Diamonds. Her position, however, is temporary. She’s been hired only as a “training camp/preseason intern.”
Jen Welter (@jwelter47) earns coaching gig with #AZCardinals. http://t.co/eQu8HUZlZY
RETWEET to welcome her to AZ! pic.twitter.com/xo4f1iAuV7
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 28, 2015
Welter may be the most overqualified intern in history. She “holds a master’s degree in sport psychology and a PhD in psychology.” She was also “the first female to play a non-kicking position in a men’s pro football league.” She played running back for the Texas Revolution in the Indoor Football League. She later coached linebackers for the Revolution.
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians thinks the gig could land Welter a more permanent position. “I really believe she’ll have a great opportunity with this internship through training camp to open some doors for her,” Arians said.
The hiring follows Becky Hammon’s historic run as the head coach for the Spurs at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Her team won the championship.