Head Coach - MLS NEXT Pro

Job Title:         Head Coach - MLS NEXT Pro   

Department:    Defiance Coaching

Reports To:     Director of Development

Type:                Full-Time Regular

FLSA Status:   Exempt

Role Type:       People Manager

Deadline to Apply: November 12, 2025   

OUR CLUB

When you join Seattle Sounders FC, you join a soccer-loving, socially progressive, ambitious club rooted in the best soccer city in America. We have one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup,2022 CONCACAF Champions League, and 2025 Leagues Cup on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head Coach for Tacoma Defiance, Seattle Sounders FC’s MLS NEXT Pro team will lead the coaching staff responsible for unlocking players’ full potential to excel in their professional careers. The ideal candidate will have experience managing and directing all technical and tactical components in support of player development. This role will be responsible for creating an inclusive, supportive environment that challenges players’ growth while learning the importance of coming together as one team. The Head Coach will ensure leadership and actions are in alignment with the club’s core values, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a commitment to social impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and direct coaching and support staff for Tacoma Defiance, including but not limited to preseason training camps, trainings sessions, and player- or group-specific technical or tactical sessions.
• Supervise and manage the technical and tactical components of all MLS NEXT Pro preseason, regular season, playoff, tournament, international, friendly, and other matches.
• Manage and direct staff in preparing for technical and tactical components of all MLS NEXT Pro matches, including development of match-specific, situational, and player-specific strategies and supervising the scouting of opposing teams and players.
• Assist the First Team Head Coach and Head of Professional Player Development in the evaluation and performance management of Sounders FC First Team, MLS Next Pro, and Academy players.
• Enforce club and league rules applicable to the club’s players and/or coaching staff.
• Together with club technical leadership, foster, develop, and manage an inclusive culture consistent with the organizational values of Sounders FC and the club’s commitment to social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Participate in promotional, sponsorship, and public relations activities including, but not limited to, match day promotions, clinics, speeches, interviews, photo sessions, public appearances, sponsor activities and any television, radio and internet programs featuring the club.
• Participate regularly in volunteer and community activities, including but not limited to those of the club, club-wide initiatives and programs, the RAVE Foundation, and of employee’s choosing.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• USSF Pro License preferred.
• MLS / FFF Elite Formation Coaches License strongly preferred.
• Youth national team coaching experience strongly preferred.
• An in-depth understanding of, and a demonstrated expertise within, the MLS Next Pro platform.
• Proven and successful experiences developing players through the MLS player pathway.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, cross-functional relationships within an organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to effectively present information.
• A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• An understanding of the pressures and commitments required for youth players involved in high level youth soccer (or other elite youth sports development awareness).
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, vendors, and fans.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when privy to sensitive information.
• Demonstrate a willingness to further personal knowledge and development.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) or Multi-Lingual a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This position will work in-person from the Sounders FC training facility in Renton, WA.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting up to 20 pounds.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $90,000 - $125,000 and eligible for bonus opportunity. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, annual employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave: We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage: Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are entering an exciting new era as one soccer family with a shared commitment of excellence and growth on and off the pitch. Each club has independently forged a rich history of performance while connecting deeply with the community. Our clubs are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering an inclusive culture- championing causes and building community connections to expand our reach and impact. Each match is an opportunity to bring together our community, celebrating our resilience, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. United in professional dedication- we are two clubs with one shared vision of progress and greatness.