Jill Ellis

Jill Ellis is a distinguished football manager and executive, currently serving as the Chief Football Officer of FIFA, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the global football strategy. Prior to this, she was the president of San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, a position she took on during the team’s expansion in 2021. Ellis’s remarkable coaching career includes leading the United States women’s national team from 2014 to 2019, during which she achieved the extraordinary feat of winning two consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s most successful coaches.

Before her tenure with the national team, Ellis made significant contributions at the collegiate level, notably as head coach of the UCLA Bruins. Under her leadership, the Bruins reached eight NCAA Women’s College Cups and secured six consecutive Pacific-10 Conference titles from 2003 to 2008. Her impressive collegiate coaching record stands at 229 wins, 45 losses, and 14 draws, showcasing her ability to develop talent and foster a winning culture.

Ellis’s coaching journey began with various youth national teams, where she guided the U.S. under-20 team to a CONCACAF title and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Her commitment to women’s football development was further exemplified when she was appointed as the development director for U.S. women’s national teams in 2011, marking a significant step in the professionalization of women’s coaching in the U.S.

In addition to her coaching accolades, Ellis has been recognized as the 2015 FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football. Her influence extends beyond the pitch as she actively works to increase the representation of women in coaching roles. With her extensive experience and dedication to the sport, Jill Ellis continues to inspire the next generation of football leaders.