Callie Brownson Joins USA Football as Senior Director

USA Football has announced the hiring of Callie Brownson, former Cleveland Browns assistant wide receivers coach, as its Senior Director of High Performance & National Team Operations. Brownson, a trailblazer in football coaching, will oversee the selection, training, and leadership of U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, including flag football’s Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

“USA Football is thrilled to welcome Callie Brownson to our staff,” said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck. “Her leadership, athlete development, and program-building skills have consistently stood out. Her expertise will be invaluable as football enters its most internationally competitive period.”

Brownson, 35, has spent the last five years with the Cleveland Browns, making history in 2020 as the first woman to coach an NFL position group during a regular-season game. She also served as an assistant wide receivers coach and chief of staff, contributing significantly to the team’s operations.

Before her NFL career, Brownson broke barriers in college football, becoming the first woman to coach full-time in Division I football at Dartmouth College in 2018. She also played eight seasons for the D.C. Divas of the Women's Football Alliance, earning four All-American honors and two championships.

As a player, Brownson won gold medals with the U.S. Women’s Tackle National Team in 2013 and 2017. She later coached the 2022 Women’s U.S. Tackle National Team to its fourth consecutive world championship.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to join USA Football and help the U.S. National Teams continue their international success,” Brownson said. “This is a historic time for football’s global growth with the Olympics on the horizon.”

Brownson’s appointment comes as USA Football prepares for a pivotal era, with flag football set to debut at the 2028 Olympics. Her role will include implementing long-term strategic plans and ensuring the U.S. teams remain competitive on the global stage.