Coaches Clips: Ottawa REDBLACKS Coaches’ Assistant Doucouré

Nadia Doucouré made history as only the second woman to land a full-time coaching role in the CFL. Her hard work and dedication have paved the way for future female coaches in the league and is a massive win for women in pro football. 

Nadia’s role as a Coaches’ Assistant and previous role as Offensive Quality Control Coach is crucial to the team’s success. She works closely with the coaches to help develop game plans, analyze opponent strategies, and prepare the team for each game. 

From armchair coaches to fans in the stands, football has the power to unite us – and spark passionate conversations. To celebrate the REDBLACKS 10th anniversary, football super fan Jeff Walker (and CAA North & East Ontario’s CEO and President) sits down with REDBLACKS coaches to ask the big questions before each game throughout the 2024 season. 

How did you get into coaching?

I come from a sporting family. My mom used to do track and field, and my dad played soccer, so I grew up going to stadiums. That’s how I discovered football, and later, I learned the rules of how to play. 

What do you do as the Offensive Quality Control Coach?

In my job, I spend more time in the office than in the field. I make it right on paper, so it’s perfect on the field. It’s just like football. We practice more than we play during the game.  

During my office hours, I make sure the drawings are correct, watch recorded games to scout opponents, create metrics, and assist with all the individual positional drills (and any corrections the players make).   

What are you most looking forward to from the team?

It’s exciting right now! I like seeing the previous and new players growing up together and how they motivate themselves or each other to reach the same goal.   

With women like Caitlin Clark in the WNBA, as well as PWHL players like Alex Carpenter, Marie-Phillip Poulin and Natalie Spooner making headlines for women in sport, what would you say to young women looking at sports as a career?

Sport is for everyone, and football is one of many! The importance of pushing doors today and having women in sports now will show our daughters that all doors will be opened by the time they will grow up and anything can be possible! If you see it, you can be it! 

OSEG

CAA North & East Ontario is the proud presenting sponsor of the OSEG Foundation’s Sports Day the Girls Way in October 2024. To learn more, visit Sports Day the Girls’ Way – OSEG Foundation.  

CAA Members! Get up to 30% off REDBLACKS tickets this summer and 10% off official CFL merch online and in-store.