Bucs Coaches Smashing Gender Stereotypes
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to set the trend when it comes to expanding opportunities for women in football.
They've done that in the form of two full-time assistant coaches this season, with assistant defensive line coach Lori Locust and assistant strength and conditioning coach Maral Javadifar joining Bruce Arians in his first season as the team's head coach.
Arians made a concerted effort to seek out women for his coaching staff after coming out of a brief retirement to take the Bucs job. He found two talented teachers who have made the entire team thankful they were given the opportunity.
Locust brings playing experience and years of coaching experience at multiple levels, including an internship with the Baltimore Ravens. Prior to joining the Bucs, Locust was the defensive line coach for the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football.
A former college basketball player, Javadifar's physical therapy background gives Tampa Bay's strength and conditioning program a unique and valuable perspective, something the players believe gives them an edge on the competition.
Hear from Arians, Locust, Javadifar owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, and Bucs players in their own words:
