Bills Hire Kathryn Smith, NFL’s First Full-Time Female Coach

“She will work with Danny Crossman [special teams coordinator] and Eric Smith [special teams assistant] involving a number of responsibilities”. Smith graduated from St. John’s in 2007 with a degree in sports management. Moreover, you don’t work that long with somebody and not build an incredible rapport, which is something that should prove to be a very valuable asset on the field.

Smith will be responsible for running the scout special teams, as well as breaking down film, and assisting in whatever the special teams need on game days.

The first female coach to hold an assistant coaching position in the National Football League was promoted to the position on Wednesday, and national attention ensued.

Smith’s appointment comes after Jen Welter served a six-week training camp internship last summer coaching inside linebackers for the Arizona Cardinals.

Kathryn Smith joins a select few who have come before her and tried to pave the way for women in sports.

Though a landmark hire, perhaps one Twitter user put the news into context and said it best by pointing out that gendering the discussion might be unnecessary if equality of the sexes is the ultimate aim. “She has proven that she’s ready for the next step, so I’m excited and proud for her with the opportunity”. So yes I might be the first coach, but I’m not the only woman in the building or dealing with the coaches or players on a daily basis.

In 2015, Nancy Lieberman became the NBA’s second female coach when she was hired by the Sacramento Kings.

In her new job as quality control coach, Smith will be responsible for gathering video and statistical analysis on upcoming opponents. Smith then served as Ryan’s assistant in 2014, his final year in NY before he was sacked and then hired by the Bills. He congratulated her and said he knew she would do a fantastic job. “To get that call, to be a pioneer, is something special. There’s no question that she’ll continue to grow”.

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