Charlotte FC
Comentarios

Charlotte FC names Dean Smith as new head coach

chris moore
Charlotte FC names Dean Smith as new head coach
Charlotte FC names Dean Smith as new head coach

Charlotte FC has officially named Dean Smith as their new head coach. The Major League Soccer side had been without a coach since firing Christian Lattanzio on Nov. 14. Smith, however, will take over in North Carolina as soon as he receives a working visa. It was previously reported that he was battling out Frank Lampard for the position.

“I’m honored to be appointed as the next head coach of Charlotte FC and cannot wait to start preparations for the 2024 season,” Smith stated in his first interview with the club. “Throughout the interview process, it was clear that this is an ambitious club with the right ingredients for success and I’m delighted to begin a new chapter in Charlotte.”

“This is a unique opportunity to be part of a project with so much potential to take to new heights in Major League Soccer. I’d like to thank Mr. Tepper, Zoran, Joe and the rest of the Charlotte FC leadership for entrusting me to lead this team and I look forward to meeting everyone involved with Charlotte FC.”

Smith brings Premier League experience to new club

Smith is a significant signing for The Crown. After all, the Englishman has plenty of managerial experience at several Premier League teams. This includes previous stays with Aston Villa, Norwich City, and Leicester City. He is most known for his time with Villa from 2018 to 2021. Smith guided the Villans back to the English top flight in 2019 after having dropped down to the Championship.

Villa sat 15th in the second-tiered table when Smith arrived to help save the club. The West Midlands side eventually finished fifth in the Championship after collecting 10 wins in their final 12 league matches. Smith then led Villa through the promotion playoffs by beating Derby County in the final.

Advertisement

After departing the Birmingham-based club, Smith then had less successful spells with Norwich and Leicester. Both clubs suffered relegation with the coach at the helm. Nevertheless, the now-52-year-old coach still has ample fans back in England.

Coach shares name with former North Carolina sports legend

Charlotte has found life in MLS fairly difficult since joining the division in 2022. Although they have played just two seasons in the league, they have now had three different head coaches. However, the club’s owner, David Tepper, has faith that Smith can lead his team to success in the near future.

“We’re excited to welcome Dean and his family to Charlotte to become the next head coach of Charlotte FC,” proclaimed Tepper. “We’re confident his leadership and experience will help elevate our club beyond its first playoff appearance into a championship team.”

Advertisement

The team’s new manager also shares his name with a former North Carolina coaching legend. Dean Smith previously helped make the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill one of the premier college basketball programs in the country. Smith collected two national championships, his first with Michael Jordan, and 17 ACC division titles.

Charlotte FC fans will be hoping that their new head coach can bring similar magic that the former basketball coach had. Smith has plenty of time with his new players. The 2024 season will not begin until February. The Crown will first, however, start preseason training in January.

PHOTOS: IMAGO

200+ Channels With Sports & News
200+ Channels With Sports & News
  • Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
  • Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
The New Home of MLS
  • Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
  • Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
  • Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
2,000+ soccer games per year
  • Price: $7.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
  • Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
  • Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season

EDITORS’ PICKS

Dean Smith: Leagues Cup performance worse than League Two

Dean Smith: Leagues Cup performance worse than League Two

This past weekend, Dean Smith, the head coach of Charlotte FC, led his side into a Leagues Cup group-stage game against the Philadelphia Union. It was both teams' first fixture in the 2024 Leagues Cup, the competition pitting all MLS and Liga MX teams in one tournament. Philadelphia's Tai Baribo scored the only goal of […]

Homecoming: USMNT's Ream set for heartwarming MLS return

Homecoming: USMNT's Ream set for heartwarming MLS return

After starting his professional career in Major League Soccer, Tim Ream may return for his last seasons. The veteran Fulham and USMNT defender is in advanced talks to join MLS side Charlotte FC. The potential move could bring significant benefits to Charlotte, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Ream […]

Charlotte FC owner wants $650 million for renovation

Charlotte FC owner wants $650 million for renovation

Charlotte Panthers and Charlotte FC owner David Tepper recently asked the city to pay upwards of $650 million for their stadium renovation. City officials stated that tourism taxes would make up the brunt of their spending. Per Carolina Panthers president Kristi Coleman, Tepper's Sports and Entertainment (TSE) is pleased with the location. In a statement, […]

Galaxy close to signing Reus, but needs to pay Charlotte big fee

Galaxy close to signing Reus, but needs to pay Charlotte big fee

The L.A. Galaxy are reportedly attempting to sign Marco Reus as a free agent. The German star midfielder is set to officially depart Borussia Dortmund after 12 years with the Bundesliga side. Reus recently played his last game for the club in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. The Spanish team eventually won the […]

World Soccer Talk © 2025. Made in Florida.

World Soccer Talk, like Futbol Sites, is a company owned by Better Collective. All rights reserved. World Soccer Talk is reader-supported and may earn a commission through our partner links.

Better Collective Logo