The fourth MLS NEXT Pro season is upon us, folks!
A new year brings new faces in new places, and why not start with the bosses?
Some will need no introduction to their fans (looking at you, Columbus), while others embark on their first head coaching journeys.
With that said, let's get to it. Before kickoff on March 7, here is a closer look at the new coaches debuting at MLS NEXT Pro clubs.
Eastern Conference
Federico Higuaín
It will be a homecoming celebration as Crew 2 continues to deliver some of the best stories to be found in MLS NEXT Pro, and bringing in a Columbus soccer legend shows promise more magical moments are ahead.
Higuaín, who played eight seasons with the Columbus Crew in MLS, is set to take charge of the Capybaras after leading Inter Miami CF II to their first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff appearance in 2024.
“Football is my passion, and it’s great for me and my family to return home to the Crew and Columbus, who are also so passionate about our game,” Higuaín said after the announcement. “Throughout my playing and coaching career, I’ve always focused on doing my best to help the collective. I thank Issa Tall and Crew leadership for giving me the opportunity to be an example of that value as Crew 2’s Head Coach while we work together to further develop our players as a team and individuals.”
Crew 2 fans will also recognize Josh Williams, another former Crew stalwart, who joins Higuaín's staff as an assistant.
“The Crew and Columbus have had an incredible impact on my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to contribute to this special Club.” said Williams. “It is an honor to step into this new role as Assistant Coach for Crew 2 and to work alongside Pipa to help develop the next generation of young players within the Club.”
Chris Nugent
Chattanooga FC wasted no time taking the interim tag off Nugent in the offseason.
Nugent took the helm of CFC in their last two matches of 2024 and led the club to a 5-1 win over Toronto FC II and a thrilling 7-6 shootout win over New York Red Bulls II to close the year on a high note after narrowly missing the playoff cut in their maiden MLS NEXT Pro voyage.
"The opportunity means a lot,” Nugent said. “I’ve grown to love living in Chattanooga and being part of Chattanooga Football Club. My goal and dream for a long time has been to be a head coach, so to get to do it somewhere I’m already so passionate about, I feel comfortable and I feel part of the community, is huge. This is home for me.”
Donovan Ricketts
Carolina Core FC also wasted no time with their head coaching search when they promoted Ricketts in October.
The legendary goalkeeper was a serial title winner in his playing days with LA Galaxy, taking part in an MLS Cup and two Supporters' Shield campaigns alongside David Beckham and Landon Donovan.
“It's a true honor and privilege to serve as head Coach of the Carolina Core FC,” Ricketts said at the time of the announcement. “I'm deeply grateful for this opportunity and eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Ricketts also starred for Jamaica on the international stage, helping the Reggae Boyz to two Caribbean Cups in 2005 and 2008 in the span of a career he earned 100 caps.
Mike Matkovich
From top to bottom, it's a new era of soccer in the Windy City.
To much fanfare, in October, two-time U.S. men's national team World Cup coach Gregg Berhalter was announced as Chicago Fire FC's director of football and head coach, and he quickly put his fingerprints on the Fire II side with the appointment of Matkovich.
“I'm excited to step into this new role, and I want to thank Gregg Berhalter and Alex Boler for their trust,” said Matkovich. “I look forward to working with our young players and helping develop the next generation of talent here in Chicago.”
Matkovich brings over 30 years of North American coaching experience, including a previous stint with the Fire and stops at Columbus Crew, Chivas USA, and Toronto FC.
Gary Dicker
More international experience comes by way of the United Kingdom as Dicker makes his head coaching debut.
The 38-year-old Irishman joins Crown Legacy FC from Brighton & Hove Albion of the English Premier League, where, in addition to his 100-plus appearances as a player, he was most recently an assistant coach on their U-21 squad.
“I am excited and grateful to become the next head coach of Crown Legacy FC,” Dicker said in his introductory remarks. “I believe my coaching experience will be beneficial to developing and attracting the next generation of footballers for Charlotte FC. The Club’s philosophy and dedication to bringing through the next generation of talent made this an opportunity I could not pass up.”
Ryan Richter
Ask anyone around the Philadelphia Union organization what their most significant pride points are, and they'll tell you all about their success with development.
Richter will be the second coach of Union II's MLS NEXT Pro era, but he's far from a newcomer to the organization. The 35-year-old has been with the Union staff since 2018 and is set to keep a throughline to what's made Union II so successful while taking a step forward for himself.
“Ryan’s new role as head coach of Union II is a great testament of our commitment to developing talent not only in our players, but also in our coaches and staff,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “His dedication and alignment to our club’s philosophy makes him a great leader and mentor for players coming through the Union pipeline. We’re excited to see him continue to grow and contribute to the overall success of the organization.”
Cristian Ledesma
Last but not least in the East, Inter Miami II announced on Tuesday that 'Lobo' Ledesma has been named as their new head coach.
Ledesma is a former Argentine international boasting over twenty years in the game that include stops at River Plate and Monterrey during his playing days.
“I'm honored to continue being a part of Inter Miami CF II and to play a role in developing our incredible talent through the Club's proven developmental pathway. The impact our young players have made in such a short time is truly remarkable, and we are committed to continuing to produce top-tier athletes and professionals for the First Team. The future is bright, and I look forward to being part of this exciting journey,” said Ledesma.
Marcelo Santos
Dynamo Dos opted for a coach who needs no introduction to the ropes of MLS NEXT Pro.
Santos joins Houston Dynamo 2 after seven years with the New England Revolution, where he was an assistant and interim head coach for Revs II in their 2023 season which was good for a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference and deep playoff run.
"I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter in my career as head coach of Dynamo 2,” said Santos. “I want to thank Pat Onstad, Asher Mendelsohn, and Nick Kowba for this incredible opportunity. I was drawn in by the Club’s strong culture, style of play, and commitment to developing young talent, and my goal is to continue the club’s tradition as a leader in MLS NEXT Pro in providing academy players opportunities and developing first team players.”
David Critchley
Another promotion!
CITY2 stayed in-house when they named Critchley as their new head coach. He's been a part of CITY SC since 2021 and led their U-16 and U-17 sides in the last two seasons.
“It’s a privilege to take on the challenge as head coach of CITY2,” Critchley said at the time of the announcement. “I’m proud to be part of a system that invests in both player and coach development. I look forward to building on the foundation we’ve laid, continuing to grow our talented players and staff, and creating a team that our fans can be proud of as we move forward.”
István Urbányi
The theme of familiar faces stays true on the other side of the I-70 rivalry.
Sporting KC II announced the appointment of Urbanyi in February. The 57-year-old Hungarian brings a wealth of experience between his 18-year playing career followed by over two decades of coaching in various roles across the globe.
Taking the reigns of SKC II marks his third era with the club, previously serving as an academy coach from 2014-2016 and talent identification director from 2018-2020.
