According to the New York Daily News, the New York Jets are set to make history by hiring Collette Smith, 44, the team’s first female coach.
Smith will join the organization as an intern slated to help the defensive backs during training camp.
She previously played for the New York Sharks, a team in the Independent Women’s Football League. When a knee injury cut her playing career short, she jumped into coaching the Sharks and also worked as a marketing executive.
“I’m over the top. I’m humbled and I’m proud,” said the Queens native, who is a lifelong Jets fan. “This could have happened with any NFL team. But it just so happened that it was with my beloved New York Jets. This is bigger because of that. God forbid it would have been with the Patriots. But I still would have done it.”
Jets’ head coach Todd Bowles was behind the move after Smith rolled up her sleeves and showed his players a thing or two last year when she had access to the practice field.
As for whether she sticks around for the regular season, time will tell. For now, she’ll make the most of her opportunity.
“We as women carry a lot on our shoulders,” Smith said. “Right now, it happens to be football for me.
“This is a way for me to help empower women. Don’t dream small, play big and go for it.
Here’s a small taste of her coaching style thanks to News12:
This comes on the heels of Jen Welter becoming the first woman to reach the ranks of NFL coach. Welter was hired by the Arizona Cardinals in 2015.
