While her parents took her to occasional high school football games, neither was a fan of the sport. Long before Arians took over as the Bucs' head coach, his first head coaching job was at Temple in Philadelphia, Penn. In Tampa, Locust has waded confidently into locker rooms and coaching rooms populated exclusively by men, almost none of whom has ever worked with a woman. But theres always been a mutual respect. Who helped themselves and who took a misstep on the second day of workouts at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine? He answered me in a half-hour, Locust said. Lake City, Utah. Mark Hacking killed his wife in July, 2004. When her full-year internship is up, King will be evaluated for a full-time role with Washington, sans the internship tag. She grad spent four seasons in Tampa She was the only female defensive In the early 1980s, her family left the Middle Eastern country to come to America. to keep expanding and making Murderpedia a better site, but we really She knows thats what everyone saw, the culmination of 15 years to reach this point. Get daily fitness inspiration right in your inbox. Soon enough, they'll get their Super Bowl rings, just like Tom Brady and the rest of the Buccaneers. A Steelers fan who grew up in Harrisburg, she is one of just a handful of women working on NFL staffs. But you would not know the difference. Maral Javadifar and Lori Locust Are First Women Coaches to Win a Super Bowl, The Inspiring Way Top Surfers Are Honoring Women Athletes For International Women's Day. Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady named Super Bowl MVP for the fifth time in his career as he leads Tampa Bay to its second Super Bowl championship in franchise history. SALT LAKE CITY - JUNE 6: Thelma Soares, mother of Lori Hacking, The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Trailblazers: Sarah Thomas, Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar. her son's sentencing June 6, 2005, in I spent a lot out of pocket. Secondly, Jennifer being a person of color, I wouldve hired her whether she was or wasnt of color. To keep creating The assistant coaches became the first female coaches to win a Super Bowl during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 31-9 victory at Raymond James Stadium. "M.J. (Maral Javadifar) and I are here to help Tampa Bay win," said Locust during Monday's Super Bowl media availability. Arians is well-known as one of the NFLs foremost champions of diversity. She puts the work in, she puts the time in. She just wanted to be there because she loved the game and she had something to offer. It should be open to everybody in terms of opportunities to play, opportunities to coach or opportunities to lead the organization. Locust dived into her new role, absorbing the playbook, studying film, talking with the coaches and defensive linemen. six years to life for killing his wife, Lori, in July 2004. Diversity wins. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. It doesnt matter where youre from or what your makeup is. Quality local journalism has never been more important. She was an offensive assistant for the San Francisco 49ers in their loss to the Chiefs. "It's less about the rehab side of it where I come in," she continued. Locust is proud that in her second season with the Bucs and head coach Bruce Arians, they can brag about their back-to-back seasons as the top rushing defense, including finishing tied with Arizona for the fourth-most sacks this season. If a player isnt doing what they need to be doing, she isnt afraid to yell at them, and she is intense about her work. I think it's definitely an area that is needed and we see a difference here. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! She knew guys like Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles, Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong, Cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross and running backs coach Todd McNair as fellow students back then. Hacking was given WebUSA TODAY - Mike Moraitis 22d. Former #Bucs assistant DL coach Lori Locust has landed in a new spot. But I want them to be qualified and experienced. Hacking, addresses, SALT LAKE CITY - JUNE 6: People gather to watch Eraldo Soares, the This year's game was the 55th Super Bowl. Follow Rhiannon on Twitter @InstantRHIplay, Rashad Ross, who led the AAF in touchdown receptions. To be able to compete with them in a playoff situation is really cool.. Tom Brady was the deserving Super Bowl LV MVP, so to make things interesting Carmen Vitali and Scott Smith are here to nominate two people other than the G.O.A.T. Shes tough, he said. Updated: Feb 22, 2022 / 05:15 PM EST When Lori Locust was hired by the Bucs, she was one of just a couple women in the NFL. Locust is at the forefront of what the NFL hopes will be a pipeline of women entering coaching and front-office jobs. Locust is one of eight women who held an NFL coaching position this past season, either on the football-specific side or in athletic training and conditioning. She interned with the Baltimore Ravens, and worked as the assistant defensive line coach for the Birmingham Iron of the AAF (Alliance of American Football). with his attorney. I got to see some of the posts and comments, and it was nice to be a part of it. Lori Locust joins the Titans as a defensive assistant. Ive never run into a problem with a player or coach. "She is a coach. You'll now receive the top Titans Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Coach Locust said in an Instagram post, "I'm a coach who happens to be a woman, not a woman who happens to coach." Gilbert Athay "And, you know, I hope we get to a point where all people are afforded equal opportunities to work in professional sports because there are a lot of great qualified coaches out there. Looking for an NFL gig, Locust found her way in thanks to an email and some connections. The ones we have are overly qualified.". Monday June Web Provided by WHTM Harrisburg Buccaneers fire assistant DL coach Lori Locust, Susquehanna Twp. Thats one thing about her that has stood out to me.. In addition to both Javadifar and Locust, Sarah Thomas will also become the first female to be on a Super Bowl officiating crew. She began playing football when she was 40 on a women's team in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "And, you know, I hope we get to a point where all people are afforded equal opportunities to work in professional sports because there are a lot of great qualified coaches out there. "As far as the women, it was time. I figure there are other young ladies out there that want to be involved. When the news broke, it was reported Locust was a defensive assistant, but we didnt get any specifics on how exactly shell be helping out. He has people he can trust around him and it doesnt matter what we look like; hes put together that staff because its people that he feels will help the team win. The first was Kathryn Smith, a special-teams quality control coach with the Buffalo Bills in 2016. Bucs hammer Chiefs in Super Bowl LV behind Brady, defense, Brady named Super Bowl MVP for record fifth time, Super Bowl betting: Bucs made plenty of people happy. by Sarah Wasilak At the end of the day, thats what it should be. Lori Locust is a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but she got her start on the football fields of the Susquehanna Valley. Shes very detailed. Girls Nite In Online offers a series of virtual workshops geared towards women and run by women. Locust said she dreams of one day becoming a head defensive line coach or even a coordinator. Sowers, the 49ers aide, contacted Locust and told her she needed to reach out to Tampa Bay. the Murderpedia project stay alive. #SuperBowl https://t.co/eh2XCjBWxq. This season, Javadifar and Locust took it a step further. Locust emailed Arians, reminding him that 36 years before they had met at Temple. Hacking, in July 2004. This didnt just happen, she said. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "I do look forward to the day that it's no longer newsworthy to be a woman working in the pros, or making the Super Bowl for that matter," Javadifar said Monday, per the Associated Press (h/t Hartford Courant). Additionally, Locust originally got her start in the NFL as an intern for the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. to address the media after Mark She is by most reckonings the NFLs third full-time female assistant. Coaching football wasnt an option for a woman in the 1980s. Not a subscriber yet? Last year, Katie Sowers became the first woman to coach in a game. After college, the Associated Press reports Locust went into the insurance industry, got married and had two sons. "It wouldn't matter if we're second in or 273rd in. When King and Locust were asked to describe each other and what defines them as coaches, King laughed. plans and enthusiasm The pair also weren't the only women to make history in Sunday's game, as referee Sarah Thomas became the first female official at the Super Bowl. Javadifar was born in Iran, where her mother wasnt even allowed to watch sports, she told Yahoo Sports Shalise Manza Young. This is a different role than the one Locust saw in Tampa Bay, where she worked with defensive linemen. Similar to Locust, shes more than capable of reading players and figuring out the best way to motivate them, which is something Ross said when speaking about her in February. In fact, the Bucs top four highest-ranking assistants are all Black: offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong and assistant head coach/run game coordinator Harold Goodwin. WebTitans hire Lori Locust as 1st full-time female coach. I hired her because shes worked hard at it and shes earned it. Please considersupporting our work. a statement to the press after their his wife, Lori Hacking, in July 2004. Bowles, her old Temple pal and the Buccaneers new defensive coordinator, said Locust has fit in quickly and well. The Tennessee Titans are reportedly making history by adding former Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant defensive line coach Lori Locust to their defensive coaching staff.The news comes from NFL Networks Ian Rapoport, who notes that Locust will be taking a defensive assistant role on head coach Mike . Four years later, she became an assistant with the Central Penn Piranha, a mens semipro team. It was time for that door to be knocked down and allow them because they've been putting in time, and they're very, very qualified. the media after Mark Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. She then received her doctor of physical therapy degree from New York Medical College. "My name was being circulated through other professional sports and in the NFL, there aren't many PT/Strength coaches or strength coaches who are also PTs," she explained in how she ended up in Tampa. Utah. But, not long after, Samantha Rapoport, the NFLs director of football development and its point person for efforts to bring more women into the game, called and asked if Locust would be interested in coaching Birmingham in the new Alliance of American Football (AAF). SALT LAKE CITY - JUNE 6: Mark Hacking (L) and his defense attorney, However, we now have a good idea of what her role will be. Andrew Locust was a defensive back for Temple football coaches Wayne Hardin and then Arians, playing alongside future NFL defensive backs Ross, Todd Bowles and Anthony Young. He recalled how his eyes were opened 25 years ago by Dot Murphy, a longtime coach at Hinds Community College in Mississippi. WebLocust was hired as the assistant defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, making her the first female position coach in the NFL and the third female full-time assistant coach. Locust shared similar sentiments about King the focus and attention to detail and noted how calm and relaxed King always is. They made it clear there that I was just another coach, and everyone accepted that.. With the win, a pair of assistants on the teams coaching staff have made history. Javadifar has a doctorate in physical therapy, which is something not seen on many strength staffs around the league. TAMPA, Fla. -- Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar, Super Bowl champs. 6, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah. , Awesome, Youre All Set! Both women are in their second seasons working under Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians. Lori Hacking June 6, 2005 in Salt coached in this seasons wild-card weekend, Sarah Thomas became the first woman to ever officiate in the Super Bowl, only NFL team with an all-Black group of coordinators under Arians. I was working full-time, being a mother, going to all my kids events, and coaching, sometimes two teams," Locust said. I dont have a problem approaching any player.. of Lori wife Lori in July 2004. She attended the NFLs annual Womens Careers in Football Forum in 2017 and 2018, later getting a job in the Alliance of American Football until the league folded. before Judge Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). She has often made history this season. Harrisburg native and Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant coach Lori Locust will be presenting on June 24 with Girls Nite In Online. It's something Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar can attest to, both helping to blaze a trail that bursts through the gender wall usually present on NFL coaching staffs. On Saturday, the Tennessee Titans made franchise history by hiring their first full-time female coach in Lori Locust, who Locust has experience with multiple NFL franchises, beginning her coaching career at the professional level with the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 as a defensive line McKissic, whos had a career year. Kansas City defeated San Francisco in last season's Super Bowl. ", As for the game, the defensive line Locust helps coach was dominant throughout and consistently pressured Patrick Mahomes and forced him out of the pocket while holding the. "I never expected to make it a full-time job, but I just kept getting more and more responsibility and more teams were asking me to coach.. The Buccaneers remain the only team in the NFL with multiple women on their coaching staff. Its because we worked for years to get to a point where we could be considered for opportunities and we could do the same type of position coaching, or we could do the same type of traditional role, as our male counterparts. Its just getting the opportunity. NEW! and his wife Janet (R) read, SALT LAKE CITY - JUNE 6: Thelma Soares, mother of murdered Lori I think thats really cool. So when she was asked earlier this week about what it meant to make history with her friends, Washington Football Team full-year coaching intern Jennifer King and Tampa Bay assistant strength and conditioning coach Maral Javadifar, on Saturday evening the first time there were full-time female coaches on opposing teams in a playoff game well, she was less focused on that. "And, you know, I hope we get to a point where all people are afforded equal opportunities to work in professional sports because there are a lot of great qualified coaches out there.". Lori lived a Locust is the first woman the Titans have hired for a full-time, on-field role, but the Titans do have a female full-time scouting assistant in Mical Johnson. Six years ago, Lori Locust attended the NFL Womens Forum hoping to break into an industry she was passionate about. Though, she doesn't want to be known by that 'woman' qualifier. She was one of the best receivers coaches Id ever seen, he said. Locust joined Mike Vrabel's staff last month as an assistant defensive coach, the first full-time woman coach in franchise history Locust and Salt Lake City, Utah. pic.twitter.com/kgUlMLuBeA. Hacking's parents, addresses the judge during A Super Bowl champion with the Bucs following the 2020 season, Locust experienced the highs and lows of NFL coaching business while recognizing and leaning on the value of relationships in the industry to help her land another coaching opportunity. She joined the company in 2018 after more than two years at ESPNs The Undefeated, where she spent extensive time writing profiles, historical features and covering all major sports. Aside from that, Locust didnt make a dime. his pretrial. with his attorney, pleaded guilty to murder in the death of his SALT LAKE CITY - APRIL 15: Mark Hacking (R) stands at the podium NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. On Fridays episode of TB12s The Keep Going Podcast, Locust spoke candidly with podcast host and TB12 CEO John Burns about her passion for football, how she Sign up for the Titans Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Congratulations to @CoachLoLoc and Coach @Maraljavadifar, the first women coaches to ever win a Super Bowl. Both she and Ross hope the free Ross/Redman Football Camp 6-8 p.m. daily through Friday at Paulsboro High School will attract girls hoping to find a career in the sport. Once in Tampa, she found that the Ravens internship had prepared her well. She played basketball at Pace University and earned a doctorate in physical therapy. Rhiannon Walker covers Culture for The Athletic. The Titans have not announced the move. It was late in a May practice on a steamy Florida afternoon, one of those moments when overheated players and coaches crave a break and footballs discipline often dissolves in a haze of perspiration and weariness. Hacking last year, June 6, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Locust will be sharing her journey and the lessons shes learned along the way at a free online seminar with the Girls Nite In Online platform at 4 p.m. on June 24. But it was no token hire when Bruce Arians asked her in March to join the Buccaneers. And that was on top of working full time and raising her two sons. , Touchdown! during his sentencing June 6, SALT LAKE CITY - JUNE 6: Mark Hacking cries as the judge gives In the video (which was organized through USAA's Salute To Service initiative), Locust explains her perspective and her journey in becoming the first full-time female They also became the first pair of female coaches on one team to coach on the sport's biggest stage after Katie Sowers did so as an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers last season. Locust coached in the Alliance of American Football and was an intern for the, "I do look forward to the day that it's no longer newsworthy to be a woman working in the pros, or making the Super Bowl for that matter," Javadifar said Monday, per the, . She emailed Arians after he took over in Tampa Bay, and was soon coaching the Buccaneers defensive line, arguably the teams most impressive unit in Super Bowl LV. Assistant defensive line coach Lori Locust became the league's first woman position coach when she arrived in Tampa. It doesnt necessarily have to be coaching. years to life for the murder of Theyre accepting. to life for killing his wife, Lori Locusts old high school hired her in 2009 as an assistant coach, a job she kept for almost a decade. Lori Locust is the assistant defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, we now have a good idea of what her role will be. February 3, 2021, 3:33 PM. for killing his wife, Lori Hacking, in July 2004. Locust, who sat in the coaches box and helped defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, known for his exotic blitzes, got a birds-eye view of what she thought the Bucs could capitalize upon. Locusts hiring by the Buccaneers was an accomplishment years in the making. Mike Moraitis. Kacy Rodgers is the Bucs head defensive line coach. Hacking pleaded guilty to We need your support. Thats not me. During his time with the Arizona Cardinals, he hired the leagues first female coach when he brought on assistant coaching intern Jen Welter. See what players and fans are saying on social media following the Super Bowl win. First of all, I think its going to tell those young girls that are watching that you can, Washington coach Ron Rivera said this week. TikTok Is Obsessed With Hormone Balancing, but Is It Legit? Definitely a special moment for the league and women in sports, in general. Lori Locust's senior football journey started at Central PA Vipers, a women's football team. And I wouldnt have it any other way.. Hacking, addresses Mike Moraitis. In Arizona, her receiving corps had former Washington special-teamer and wide receiver Rashad Ross, who led the AAF in touchdown receptions. Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar made history Sunday night. "It was a newer entity that they were looking for. If Im authentic in my approach, theyre good with that. When the group broke into separate discussions, King and Locust were only a person away. to murder in the death of his wife Lori in July 2004. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. But she wasnt out of work for long, joining Titans head coach Mike Vrabels staff on Feb. 4. Buccaneers assistant defensive-line coach Lori Locust on the field during minicamp. That, to me, was really cool. Chad Reuter provides a stock report from Indianapolis. six years to life History was made tonight! Sources say shes heading to the #Titans, signing a deal to be a defensive assistant in Tennessee. ), Some people sometimes feel like theres some magic wand somewhere and like, poof, all of a sudden, like, theres qualified women, Locust said. She demands excellence, but she does so in such a laid-back way. She is the team's first full-time female coach after working with the Buccaneers. They tower over me, and every once in a while I realize just how much bigger they are, she said. She didnt get one in 2017. King, who works with running backs coach Randy Jordan, said many of the same things as Locust when she was hired in February. Female coaches are becoming increasingly common in the NFL as a record six women, including Locust and Javadifar, coached in this seasons wild-card weekend. But she wasnt out of work for long, joining Titans head coach Mike Vrabels staff on Feb. 4. While Locust and Javadifar were making history Sunday, they weren't the only ones. And in that instant, Lori Locust, a Philadelphia-born football fanatic who is in her early days as one of the NFLs first full-time female assistant coaches, did what any of her colleagues might have done. I might look like an overnight success from the back end, but this has been a long time coming.. And shes not afraid. She demands respect. And people really dont know, like, the backstory or they dont know that youve coached for years and years, and its like, Oh, wow. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Theyre good coaches.. Web Provided by WHTM Harrisburg Buccaneers fire assistant DL coach Lori Locust, Susquehanna Twp. Javadifar has a doctorate in physical therapy and was hired as an assistant strength and conditioning coach/physical therapist. Years later, they were on opposite sidelines. 2005 after Individually, and obviously for our team, but just reflecting on it, its been so special to be a part of those moments. Fitting, given the home team that is playing. It was then that the Harrisburg native joined up with a semi-pro football and began assistant coaching with the Susquehanna Township High School football team. Locust entered the NFL in 2018 as an intern for the Baltimore Ravens. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. I never played again, but I started coaching them," she said. Hacking was given six years to Super Bowl Champs! It sounds bad to say, but thats never been my motivation, she said. his sentencing June 6, 2005 Hacking was given six years Whenever she played football in the backyard with neighborhood kids, she was Jack Lambert, Pittsburghs snarling middle linebacker. She'll be part of Girls Nite In Online's "Women in the NFL" series. The Tennessee Titans are adding former Tampa Buccaneers defensive line assistant Lori Locust to the staff as a defensive assistant, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday. for the murder 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Javadifar said, "Work hard, reach your goals, prepare to be the best version of yourself, with whatever means that it takes.". All of his coordinators were Black, which was a first. #ChampaBay https://t.co/RXuVI4t9G1, Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) February 8, 2021, Congratulations to Sarah Thomas, Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar.You rock.Sincerely,#GirlDad, Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) February 7, 2021, Congratulations to Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar for breaking glass ceilings. She is Coach Locust. You can learn more about Girls Nite In Online at gnionline.com. Shes just a good teacher. I think thats the message that were trying to get out there because shes handled herself professionally the way you need to handle yourself to set the example. Women's History Month: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Assistant DL Coach Lori Locust. I think its huge, (and) I think its the wave of the future.. Where did they come from?, We want other women to see that its possible. https://t.co/SAZKRqkNph, Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 4, 2023. It wasnt until she turned 40 that Lori Locust decided to go for her dream. "As much as the game made sense to me as a player, I began to see it from another angle [as a coach], and I really liked it.. 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah. When King stepped on the sideline Saturday night, she became the first Black female coach to work in a playoff game. They joined Katie Sowers, who spent four years with the 49ers coaching staff as an offensive assistant and became the first woman and openly gay coach to work in the Super Bowl, as female coaches whove been to the NFLs postseason. She does everything the right way.. Douglas and Janet Hacking, watch at bottom left. Locust and Javadifar are part of a diverse staff in Tampa Bay, as offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong and run game coordinator/assistant head coach Harold Goodwin are all Black. She continued coaching after college, and worked her way up to the NFL. SALT LAKE CITY - JUNE 6: Thelma Soares, mother of murdered Lori Gil Athay, stand If this helps broaden the path for others, great. Locust reportedly entered the sport when she started playing in a womens league around the age of 40. breaks down as she Gilbert Athay, reacts after. But at some point, as King and Locust and others hope, it will be, as with an all-Black officiating crew, no big deal. During those years, coaching in arena football was the only paid position she had, and it was enough to put gas in her car to get her from Harrisburg, Pa., to Allentown, Pa., twice a week and for games. A former Temple student who grew up a Steelers fan in Harrisburg, Locust is one of just a handful of women working on NFL staffs. SALT LAKE CITY - JUNE 6: Trying to hold back tears, Doug Hacking (L) I was working with Terrell Suggs, Michael Pierce, Brandon Williams, she said. life for killing his wife, Lori We acknowledge the fact that there hasn't been many before us, but it's not anything that we keep in the forefront of what we do on a daily basis.". "It's a give and take and it's all love but she is a welcomed addition and the thing is for me, being the first time having a female assistant, I was like how is this going to be? I think thats an important message that the league is putting out there.