Staff Directory

Lydia Brinkley

Title:
Director of Football Operations
Email:
Phone:
(252) 737-4570

Lydia Brinkley is in her second year as the Director of Football Operations at East Carolina, a position she began on Dec. 20, 2024.

Brinkley, who has 14-plus years of operations experience, comes to Greenville following nearly eight years at Kennesaw State University where she served as coordinator of football operations/recruiting (2017-22) and recently as the director of football operations (2022-24).

As the director of football operations, Brinkley managed all aspects of team travel and home game day operations including but not limited to scheduling of transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, itineraries along with financial needs for trips. She also assisted the chief of staff in oversite of football operations and recruiting budgets.

In her previous role at KSU as the coordinator for football operations and recruiting, Brinkley represented the front line of support for all coaches, support staff, student-athletes, and guests of the program with their respective needs. She played a major role in travel, game day operations and special event coordination for the team.

Brinkley was responsible for organizing all on-campus recruiting, bringing over 200 guests to campus for Kennesaw State football home games. She also worked hand-in-hand with KSU communications, ticketing, and compliance to coordinate recruiting visits to campus.

She also served as the liaison with housing, admissions, financial aid, and compliance to ensure athletes and coaches are on track for eligibility, academic, and residential plans. Brinkley also developed a campus packet to assist incoming freshmen and transfers with their transition to Kennesaw State University.

Prior to becoming an Owl, Brinkley was the director of football operations at Berry College in Rome, Ga. where she oversaw all administrative aspects of the football program including the operational development of the team in its inaugural year. She managed 110 student-athletes and 10 football coaches for the Vikings.

Brinkley also played a role in the opening of Valhalla Stadium, a new football stadium located on Berry's campus. She conducted research regarding game day logistics such as tailgating, parking, and online marketing to enhance the game day experience for all fans.

In her time at Kennesaw State, Brinkley had volunteered on the KSU Athletics Department Event Planning Committee and has served as the secretary and treasurer on the KSU Senate.

Brinkley graduated from Berry College in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in business management and finance. She also received a master's degree from Kennesaw State University ('20) in business administration with a finance concentration. As a member of the equestrian team, she was a two-time team captain and a Gate Opportunity Scholar.

She and her husband Collin, who were married in 2026, reside in Greenville.