There are several reports saying the Jets have signed Collette Smith as an intern to work with the defensive backs. This signing marks the first time the Jets have hired a female coach and Smith becomes the third female coach in NFL history. The first being Jen Welter, who the Cardinals hired as an intern during training camp and the second was Kathryn Smith, who the Bills retained full-time as a quality control/special teams coach.
Smith is a former coach and player for the New York Sharks of Independent Women’s Football League and grew up a Jets fan, making this all the more exciting. This signing, and the past signings of Jen Welter and Kathryn Smith, could be the start of a trend of hiring more women in the NFL in prominent coaching roles.
Collette Smith is quoted saying, “One day a woman will come to a football team, and it won’t be a big story. It’ll just be football. When that day comes I’ll be more honored and even more proud.”
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