Arizona Cardinals name first woman to NFL coaching position

An NFL spokesman confirmed to Mashable that Welter will make history this pre-season as the first woman to hold a coaching position in the league. Welter’s responsibilities will include coaching inside linebackers.

This officially marks the Cardinals and head coach Bruce Arians as pioneers, venturing into uncharted waters as the world of professional sports starts to become more understanding towards the idea of women holding whistles, clipboards and headsets.

Arians said (via AZCardinals.com) that he thought Welter “was the type of person that could handle this in a very positive way for women and open that door”.

According to the Cardinals, Welter played 14 seasons professionally.

“He tells me he’s not going to play”, Zuckerman said. “I’ll listen.’ I really believe she’ll have a great opportunity through this internship to open some doors”.

After playing professionally and coaching in the Indoor Football League, Welter will join the Cardinals.

Jen Welter, who was an assistant coach with the Texas Revolution of the Indoor Football League, has been named to the Cardinals’ defensive staff and will be introduced at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

These changes stem from the use of underinflated footballs in the AFC Championship Game, which led to a four-game suspension for New England quarterback Tom Brady, a $1 million fine for the Patriots and the loss of two draft picks.

Arians stated he had spoken with veterans on the Cardinals team to explain to them what he was going to do in regards to Welter and “they were all very cool with it”. Sarah Thomas has been hired this season as the NFL’s first full-time female official.

Arians said it wouldn’t be up to him whether putting a woman on his staff first would impact his legacy, but reiterated that he hopes it creates further opportunities for Welter and other women.

“I am honored to be a part of this fantastic team”, Welter said on Twitter on Monday night.