When the Carolina Panthers face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, it will signify a historic milestone for the National Football League (NFL). This matchup will be the first time in professional football that two female presidents face off. These executives are part of a small but increasing group of women in the NFL’s front office, being the only two female presidents among the league’s 32 teams.
Carolina Panthers President Kristi Coleman expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing that it demonstrates how success is achievable through competence. Coleman, who has a background in finance, was appointed team president of the Panthers in February 2022, following her tenure as vice president and chief financial officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment. The Panthers are owned by hedge fund founder David Tepper.
Sandra Douglass Morgan became the Raiders’ president in July 2022. Her appointment by owner Mark Davis came after more than twenty years in the gaming, legal, and corporate sectors. Douglass Morgan acknowledged the significance of this moment while maintaining that their primary focus remains on effectively managing daily business operations like other team presidents.
The NFL has actively promoted gender diversity within its ranks in recent years. According to The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida, women constituted 42.5% of employees in the NFL League Office last year, marking a substantial increase from a decade ago when the figure was 29.3%. Presently, the league boasts 243 women in front office roles.
Further emphasizing this shift, the NFL reports that 22 women now hold full-time coaching positions, a record for any male professional sports league and a 187% increase over the past five years. To nurture this growth, the NFL conducts an annual Women’s Forum. Established in 2017, the program has seen over 400 women participate, leading to over 250 professional opportunities for women at various levels of football.
Douglass Morgan noted the growing interest of women in the NFL and highlighted the importance of a diverse workforce to engage with a diverse fan base. The NFL’s flag football program, which currently includes more than 700,000 participants, serves as another avenue for female involvement and a potential pathway to collegiate play.
Both Coleman and Douglass Morgan credited their team owners for their supportive roles. Mark Davis’s commendation of Douglass Morgan’s qualifications, regardless of her background, resonated with her as an affirmation of merit-based hiring. They advised women aspiring to enter male-dominated sports leagues to be confident, excel in their current roles, and believe in their potential.
Coleman stressed the importance of performing well in one’s job to be considered for higher positions, combined with kindness and self-belief. Douglass Morgan underscored the need for resilience and a supportive network, acknowledging the unique scrutiny they may face as minorities in their roles. They both articulated a clear message of perseverance and confidence in overcoming challenges.
In conclusion, Coleman and Douglass Morgan’s historic matchup as team presidents is a reflection of the NFL’s evolving commitment to diversity and inclusion, marking a notable step forward in gender representation within professional football.
