UPDATE: Isabel Diaz, a trailblazer in the NFL, is making waves as the only female full-time coach with the Indianapolis Colts. With the team holding an impressive 8-2 record and leading the AFC South, Diaz’s contributions are pivotal as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs this week.
Diaz’s journey began in a Dallas suburb, sparked by childhood memories of enjoying doughnuts with her grandfather while poring over football standings. “I fell in love with the game,” Diaz recalls, noting how she begged her family to let her stay up for Sunday night games. By high school, she had resolved to pursue coaching as a career.
Currently in her third season with the Colts, Diaz serves as the Harriet P. Irsay Fellow, assisting special teams coordinator Brian Mason and senior assistant coach Joe Hastings. Her role includes practice and game planning, significantly impacting the team’s success this season.
“We’re doing a great job,” Diaz stated, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and culture in achieving their current standing. As the NFL prioritizes increasing opportunities for women and minorities, Diaz is one of only 11 female coaches in the league.
The NFL has seen a staggering 289% increase in women participating in football operations and coaching roles over the past five years, now totaling 358 women this season. Diaz participated in the league’s annual Women’s Forum, which played a crucial role in her development.
After securing the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Washington Commanders, Diaz gained valuable experience under former coach Ron Rivera. “They valued my opinion and had me involved in projects,” she noted, illustrating her commitment and growth within the sport.
Diaz, who graduated with a degree in sport and coaching science from Oklahoma State, credits her proactive approach for her rapid advancement. “I kept asking for that next step,” she said, reflecting on her journey from an undergraduate assistant to a coaching position in the NFL. “You have to be your own advocate.”
In a defining moment, Diaz met Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon at the Women’s Forum in 2023, which led to her selection for the Irsay Fellowship. “It was surreal,” she described, “sitting in a classroom, getting the call about coaching in the NFL at just 22 years old.”
As the Colts prepare for a crucial matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Diaz’s story is a testament to breaking barriers in sports. Her passion and determination resonate with many, making her a figure of inspiration in a male-dominated industry.
The Colts’ upcoming game promises to be a pivotal moment not just for the team but also for women in sports, showcasing the impact of diversity and inclusion in professional football. Fans are eager to see how Diaz and the Colts will continue to evolve as they push towards a playoff berth.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Isabel Diaz continues to make history in the NFL.