Autumn Lockwood becomes first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl
Philadelphia Eagles Head coach Nick Sirianni on win
NFL Press conference with winning Head Coach Nick Sirianni, and the most valuable player Jalen Hurts following Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles
LOS ANGELES - Autumn Lockwood has made NFL history, becoming the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl. She was part of the Philadelphia Eagles' coaching staff in 2023 when she became the first Black woman to coach in a Super Bowl, and now she has reached another milestone.
Lockwood’s achievement is notable in a league where coaching staffs have traditionally lacked diversity, particularly for women and people of color.
Lockwood’s path to the NFL
The backstory:
Lockwood joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 as a strength and conditioning associate, earning a promotion to associate performance coach in 2023.
Before the Eagles, she worked in sports performance at the University of Houston (2021-22) and East Tennessee State (2020-21). Her first NFL experience came in 2019 as a strength staff intern with the Atlanta Falcons. She also held roles at UNLV and the University of Arizona, focusing on strength and conditioning for various sports.
A Media, Pennsylvania native, Lockwood earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Arizona and a master’s in sports management from East Tennessee State.
Why this milestone is significant
By the numbers:
Lockwood’s achievement comes as the NFL continues to face scrutiny over the lack of diversity in coaching positions.
- As of the 2024 NFL season, there are only six Black head coaches in the league.
- Women remain underrepresented in coaching roles, with most positions held by men.
Philadelphia Eagles assistant sports performance coach Autumn Lockwood looks on before Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Reaction to Lockwood’s win
What they're saying:
Lockwood’s historic achievement has drawn praise from figures across the sports world.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King tweeted:
"Outstanding! Cheers to Autumn Lockwood, the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl! She is the Assistant Performance Coach for the Eagles."
While the NFL has increased efforts to promote diversity in coaching, Lockwood’s win highlights the limited representation of women and Black coaches at the highest levels of football.
The University of Arizona’s soccer program also celebrated her accomplishment, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
"SUPER BOWL CHAMPION AUTUMN LOCKWOOD!"
The Source: This article is based on previous FOX TV Stations coverage and public statements from sports figures.