Cardinals add Jen Welter to preseason staff, 1st female to hold NFL coaching position

The Arizona Cardinals are hiring what is believed to be the NFL's first female coach.

Jen Welter, a former running back for the Indoor Football League's Texas Revolution, will work with the Cardinals' inside linebackers through training camp and the preseason as one of the team's seven coaching interns.

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians believes the camp internship will help break down barriers for women interested in pursuing a career in football or coaching.

"I wanted to open that door," Arians said, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. "Coaching is nothing more than teaching. The one thing I've learned from players: all they want to know is 'How you going to make me better? If you can make me better, I don't (care) if you're the Green Hornet. I'll listen.'"

Arians consulted with team veterans, who all supported the move, and said the hire was "not going to be a distraction in any way."

In addition to Welter's years of experience playing football at several levels, the 37-year-old has a master's degree in sports psychology and a doctorate in psychology.

Welter's hiring was celebrated both inside and outside the football world Tuesday, including at the highest levels of government: