Atlanta United in Search of New Head Coach and Sporting Director for 2025 Season | OneFootball

The LA Galaxy clinched their record sixth MLS Cup title on December 7, 2024, with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The Galaxy established an early lead with goals from Joseph Paintsil in the 9th minute and Dejan Joveljić in the 13th minute. The Red Bulls responded with a goal by Sean Nealis in the 28th minute but were unable to equalize. Midfielder Gastón Brugman was named the match's Most Valuable Player for his pivotal role in the Galaxy's midfield. This championship marks the Galaxy's first MLS Cup win since 2014, reinforcing their status as the most successful club in Major League Soccer history. The victory also secured their qualification for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Now that the 2024 Audi MLS season is in the distance, several clubs want to recharge and bolster their roasters for the new season. Atlanta United is one such club that is searching for more than just players for its squad. They have romped up their quest for a new head coach and sporting director to settle the supporters' nerves despite a strong finish to their 2024 season. Atlanta United president and CEO Garth Lagerwey met with Rob Valentino and praised the interim head coach, saying he's done a fantastic job with the group. However, he confirmed that Valentino will not be a final candidate for the permanent head coaching position at Atlanta United.

The search has attracted high-profile candidates, including former Arsenal captain and ex-NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira, who is among the finalists interviewed for the role. Lagerwey has emphasized the club's appeal, noting the impressive caliber of candidates interested in the position. The goal is to finalize the head coach appointment before Christmas to ensure stability and preparation for the 2025 season.

In addition to the head coach's search, Atlanta United is also in the process of hiring a new sporting director following the departure of Carlos Bocanegra. Lagerwey aims to fill both positions in the coming weeks, ensuring that the new head coach and sporting director align their vision for the club's future.

The club is also making significant roster decisions, with veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan confirmed to return for his ninth year. Lagerwey has expressed confidence in the team's existing talent and plans to build around key players such as Alexey Miranchuk, Saba Lobjanidze, and Pedro Amador. The focus is on adding team speed and creating a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level in the upcoming season. Overall, Atlanta United is undergoing a transformative period, with strategic hires and roster adjustments aimed at achieving consistent success in Major League Soccer.

Club president and CEO Garth Lagerwey has emphasized the importance of finalizing the appointment soon to ensure stability and sufficient preparation time for the 2025 MLS season. The shortlist for Atlanta United’s head coach includes high-profile candidates with experience and success at top levels of soccer.

Among the reported names are:

Patrick Vieira:

Former Arsenal captain and ex-head coach of New York City FC, OGC Nice, and Crystal Palace. Vieira has experience in MLS and European leagues, making him a strong contender. However, Patrick Vieira, the former Arsenal captain and experienced manager, was appointed head coach of Serie A club Genoa on November 20, 2024. This role marks his return to management following his departure from RC Strasbourg Alsace in July 2024. Vieira's managerial career includes positions at New York City FC in Major League Soccer, OGC Nice in Ligue 1, and Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. His extensive experience across various leagues has made him a notable figure in football management. At Genoa, Vieira faces the challenge of improving the team's performance, as they are currently positioned just above the relegation zone in Serie A. His leadership will be crucial in steering the club toward better results in the ongoing season.

John Herdman:

Canada v Cuba: Group D - 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup / Omar Vega/GettyImages

Herdman is the former head coach of the Canadian men’s national team. He is known for building competitive teams and implementing a strong identity. John Herdman resigned as head coach of Toronto FC on November 29, 2024, after a 15-month tenure. While with the club, Toronto FC recorded an 11-19-4 record and did not qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs. Herdman cited personal reasons and differing visions for the club's future as factors in his decision to step down. As of now, he is not coaching any club.

Diego Alonso:

Alonso, the former Inter Miami and Uruguay national team head coach, is a notable coach on the circuit. Alonso has won titles in Liga MX and the CONCACAF Champions League. Diego Alonso, the Uruguayan football manager, was dismissed from his position as head coach of Panathinaikos on October 29, 2024, after a four-month tenure marked by unsatisfactory results in both the Greek Super League and the UEFA Europa Conference League. As of December 9, 2024, Alonso is not managing any club. Prior to his role at Panathinaikos, Alonso managed several teams, including Sevilla FC, the Uruguay national team, and Inter Miami CF. His coaching career has spanned multiple countries and leagues, reflecting a diverse managerial background.

Marcelo Gallardo:

Estudiantes v River Plate - Liga Profesional 2024 / Marcelo Endelli/GettyImages

The River Plate coach is recognized for his tactical expertise and success in South American club competitions, including multiple Copa Libertadores titles. Marcelo Gallardo is currently the head coach of River Plate, having returned to the club on August 5, 2024, after a brief tenure with Saudi club Al-Ittihad. Gallardo led the team to numerous titles in his previous spell with River Plate from 2014 to 2022, including two Copa Libertadores victories. His return aims to restore the club's success, particularly in international competitions. However, River Plate has faced challenges since his return, including elimination from the Copa Libertadores after a 3-0 defeat to Atlético Mineiro in the semifinals. Despite these setbacks, Gallardo remains focused on rebuilding the team's performance in domestic and international arenas.

Club president Garth Lagerwey has emphasized that all finalists have a proven track record and championship pedigree, aligning with Atlanta United's aspirations for sustained success.

Atlanta United is also actively searching for a new sporting director after Carlos Bocanegra's departure in September 2024. Club President Garth Lagerwey has assumed Bocanegra's duties on an interim basis and aims to appoint a new sporting director by Christmas 2024.

Several potential candidates have been identified for the role:

The club prioritizes candidates with a proven talent acquisition and development track record track record with its strategic goals. The aim is to have both the head coach and sporting director filled promptly to ensure cohesive planning for the 2025 season.

As of December 9, 2024, Atlanta United has made several roster changes in preparation for the 2025 MLS season:

Departures:

Santiago Sosa: The midfielder was transferred to Racing Club in Argentina for an undisclosed fee. Daniel Ríos: The forward's loan expired at the end of the calendar year. Dax McCarty and Quentin Westberg: Both veterans announced their retirements after distinguished careers.

Contract Options Exercised:

Brad Guzan (Goalkeeper): Option for 2025 exercised. Efraín Morales (Midfielder): Option for 2025 exercised. Jay Fortune (Midfielder): Option for 2025 exercised.

Contract Options Declined:

Erik Centeno (Defender): Option declined; club remains in negotiations. Nick Firmino (Midfielder): Option declined; club remains in negotiations. Ronald Hernández (Defender): Option declined; club remains in negotiations. Franco Ibarra (Midfielder): Option declined; club remains in negotiations. Jamal Thiaré (Forward): Option declined; club remains in negotiations.Tyler Wolff (Forward): Option declined; club remains in negotiations.

Atlanta United look to bolster squad

The club is actively seeking to strengthen its roster, particularly in the forward position, following the departure of Giorgos Giakoumakis. Potential targets include players like Daniel Ríos and Jamal Thiaré, though their futures with the club remain uncertain.