By Ramon Robinson
Autumn Lockwood has secured her place in history as the first Black woman to coach in and win a Super Bowl. As the Assistant Sports Performance Coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, Lockwood played a key role in the team’s preparation and success, culminating in their championship victory. Her achievement is not only personal but also represents a major moment in the ongoing conversation about the NFL moving away from exclusion and fostering true competition where everyone can compete.
A Milestone in NFL Coaching
While Lockwood is the first Black woman to reach this milestone, she follows in the footsteps of other female coaches who have worked on NFL sidelines. In 2021, Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first female coaches to win a Super Bowl. Lockwood’s accomplishment adds another layer to the increasing presence of women in coaching roles within the league, showing that opportunities for women—especially women of color—are expanding, even if progress has been slow.
Her journey began with a deep passion for sports and performance training. Lockwood earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Arizona in 2015 before obtaining a master’s degree in sports management from East Tennessee State University. She gained experience working with athletic programs at the University of Houston and East Tennessee State before an internship with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019 gave her a closer look at the demands of the NFL.
In 2022, Lockwood joined the Eagles as a strength and conditioning associate. Her ability to connect with players and enhance their physical performance led to her promotion to Assistant Performance Coach in 2023. This role allowed her to contribute significantly to the team’s overall athletic development, a key factor in the Eagles’ path to the Super Bowl.
The Bigger Picture: The NFL’s Shift Toward True Competition
Lockwood’s presence on the Eagles’ coaching staff is a testament to the NFL’s shift away from exclusion and toward a system where all talent can compete. The league has long been criticized for its lack of Black head coaches, despite the fact that a majority of its players are Black. Initiatives like the Rooney Rule, which was introduced in 2003 to ensure that minority candidates are considered for head coaching and front-office positions, have had mixed results. As of the 2024 season, only six Black head coaches were leading teams, reflecting the challenges that still exist in providing equitable opportunities.
The significance of Lockwood’s achievement goes beyond her personal success. It offers visibility for young Black women who aspire to work in professional sports, showing that leadership roles are attainable. Representation matters, and seeing someone like Lockwood excel in a highly competitive and traditionally male-dominated field can inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in coaching, sports science, and athletic training.
Looking Ahead
Lockwood’s contributions to the Eagles’ success solidify her as a respected figure in the world of sports performance. As the NFL continues to evolve, her role may serve as a catalyst for further change, pushing teams to consider a broader range of talented individuals for coaching and leadership positions.
While the league still has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity, Lockwood’s success is a reminder that talent, hard work, and perseverance can pave the way for meaningful progress. Her journey isn’t just about making history—it’s about proving that excellence knows no boundaries.
