Brad Gushue Retires: New Role as U.S. Curling Director

Few athletes in curling have managed to redefine the game both on and off the ice. Brad Gushue, the Olympic gold medalist from Newfoundland, announced in March 2026 that he would retire at the end of the 2025-26 season—and then, just two months later, accepted the role of U.S. High Performance Director, a move that traces his decision, legacy, and impact on the sport.

Olympic gold medals: 1 (2006) · Brier championships: 5 (2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023) · World championship titles: 2 (2017, 2022) · Retirement announcement date: March 2026 · New role announced: U.S. High Performance Director (May 2026)

Six key facts define Brad Gushue’s career and transition, from his full name to his post-retirement role.

Is Brad Gushue going to retire?

Confirmed retirement timeline

• Gushue announced his retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 season in March 2026 (World Curling (international governing body)).
• His legendary career ended with a loss to Jacobs at the Brier on March 7, 2026 (Sportsnet (Canadian sports network)).

Official announcement details

• USA Curling announced Gushue as High Performance Director in May 2026 (USA Curling (national federation)).
• The Curling News reported the move, noting Gushue would stay in Newfoundland (The Curling News (curling industry outlet)).

Gushue’s immediate transition from skip to director signals a growing trend of top players shaping national programs from the inside.

The implication: Gushue’s retirement is not a blank slate—it’s a planned pivot that aligns with USA Curling’s ambitions for Milano Cortina 2026.

Why did Brad Gushue retire?

Reasons cited for career change

• Gushue said the role allows him to combine his curling and business knowledge (CBC Sports (Canada’s public broadcaster)).
• World Curling featured him in September 2025 explaining his plan to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 season (World Curling (international governing body)).

Transition to U.S. curling development

• USA Curling opened a search for a High Performance Director in January 2026 before selecting Gushue (USA Curling (national federation)).
• The role oversees elite athlete development and competitive programs (USA Curling (national federation)).

What this means: Gushue didn’t leave curling—he changed which country’s program he leads. His business and on-ice experience make him uniquely suited to bridge the gap between athlete and administrator.

What does Brad Gushue do for a living?

Post-retirement role as High Performance Director

• Gushue is now responsible for national program oversight, athlete identification, and development for USA Curling (USA Curling (national federation)).
• He collaborates with athletes, coaches, and support staff to build high-performance pathways (USA Curling (national federation)).

Previous career as a professional curler and businessman

• Gushue is an Olympian and MBA graduate who ran a real estate and investment business (CBC Sports (Canada’s public broadcaster)).
• He won Olympic gold in 2006 and multiple Brier and world titles as skip of Team Gushue.

The pattern: Gushue’s career is a textbook case of athlete transition—from competitor to executive, using the same strategic mindset that won him titles.

Who is Brad Gushue’s wife?

Family background

• Brad Gushue is married to Krista Gushue (née Krista Ann Phillips). They have two daughters and live in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Wedding details

• The couple married in 2008. Krista has been a constant presence at his games and Brier appearances.

Why this matters: Gushue’s family ties to Newfoundland are strong. His decision to stay in St. John’s while serving USA Curling underscores that this is a role he can do remotely, without uprooting his family.

Who is the best male curler in Canada all time?

Comparing Gushue with Kevin Martin

• Kevin Martin is often cited as the greatest male curler in Canadian history, with an Olympic gold (2010), four Brier titles, and multiple world championships.
• Brad Gushue’s five Brier titles, two world championships, and Olympic gold make him a strong contender for the top spot, though his Brier wins lag behind Martin’s four in terms of percentage dominance.

Other top contenders

• Other names in the debate include Ernie Richardson, Don Duguid, and Randy Ferbey. Gushue’s longevity and post-retirement transition add a unique dimension to his legacy.

The trade-off: While Martin holds an edge in win rate and head-to-head records, Gushue’s sustained success across two decades and his move into high performance leadership may tip the argument toward total impact on the sport.

Timeline: Brad Gushue’s career and retirement

Key milestones in Gushue’s career and retirement timeline are shown below.

Clarity check: What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Quotes from the transition

“This role allows me to combine my curling knowledge and business background in a way that gives back to the sport.” — Brad Gushue, quoted by CBC Sports (Canada’s public broadcaster)

“The High Performance Director will collaborate closely with athletes, coaches, and support staff to build a world-class program.” — USA Curling statement, USA Curling (national federation)

Brad Gushue’s shift from skip to director is more than a career move—it’s a blueprint for how elite athletes can influence the next generation. For Canadian fans, the departure of a five-time Brier champion leaves a gap; for USA Curling, the arrival of an Olympic gold medalist signals a serious investment in performance ahead of the 2026 Olympics. The question now is whether his strategic mind can translate on-ice success into organizational growth across the border.

Frequently asked questions