The 49ers will have a female coach for the first time in team history throughout the 2017-18 season.
Katie Sowers, who became the 49ers' first female coaching intern over the summer, has accepted a season-long coaching position. She will also be the NFL's second female assistant coach ever.
Sowers broke the news on her personal Facebook page early Saturday morning and shared the following message:
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I wanted to share with my friends and family that I have accepted a season long coaching position with the San Francisco 49ers. Many people ask how I made it to where I am, on such an untraditional route and it's easy to say "you have to believe in yourself and dreams will come true" but that's only part of it, and in my opinion that's only the second part. It's important for all to know that dreams are achieved by first finding someone who sees your worth and value, regardless of your gender, and takes the necessary steps to clear a path, even on the path less traveled. Those people are hard to find, but I was blessed to begin my journey in the NFL because of a close friend and mentor in Scott Pioli. Scott's passion for equal opportunity and his belief in a small town girl from Kansas, allowed me the opportunity to follow my passion. Scott continues to do amazing work, opening doors and breaking down walls in the NFL that for years have shut people out. I think we could all learn a little from people like Scott Pioli and find a way to open doors for those behind us. The most important words you can ever tell someone is "I believe in you". Scott, I know the best way that I can repay you is by continuing to open the door for others and I will do my best to continue what you have started and what you continue to do.
Sowers interned with the Atlanta Falcons last summer, where she met 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. During her internship, Sowers assisted in helping coach the 49ers' wide receivers.
Before coaching, Sowers played football professionally and suited up for the US national team. She was also a USA Football adviser and served as general manager of the Kansas City Titans, who play in the Women's Football Alliance.