The Denver Broncos hired Kelly Kleine as the executive football director of operations and special adviser to the general manager on Tuesday, making her what is believed to be the highest-ranking female scouting executive in NFL history.
We’ve hired Kelly Kleine as Exec. Director of FB Ops./Special Advisor to the GM.
Believed to be the highest ranking woman in scouting in NFL history, Kleine will have significant scouting responsibilities & oversee several football departments.
📰 » https://t.co/gYXgwQnrdX pic.twitter.com/h442UpalHz
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 17, 2021
Kleine spent 10 seasons with the Vikings where she was most recently the manager of player personnel and a college scout. In Denver, she’ll reunite with former Vikings assistant general manager George Paton, who was hired as general manager of the Broncos this spring.
“Kelly is a rising star in the NFL, and we’re fortunate to add someone of her caliber to the Denver Broncos,” Paton said in a statement. “Having worked with her for nine years in Minnesota, Kelly has a strong understanding of all aspects of football operations and player evaluation along with outstanding leadership qualities.
“She will be a tremendous resource with her experience on the pro and college sides as well as her knowledge of our grading scale and football calendar.”
After the news was announced, three women within the Vikings organization have been promoted per SI’s Albert Breer.
According to the report, Taylor Young will be promoted to manager of football administration, Caroline DeFelice will be hired as a player personnel assistant and Kaitlin Zarecki will be promoted into Kleine’s old role as manager of player development and special assistant to the general manager.
