Charlotte FC’s search its third head coach of franchise history has come to an end.
Dean Smith has joined the club on a multi-year contract, the Eastern Conference side announced Tuesday. The 52-year-old former Premier League boss had been without a job since serving as Leicester City manager from April-June 2023.
“I’m honored to be appointed as the next head coach of Charlotte FC and cannot wait to start preparations for the 2024 season,” said Smith. “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,” Smith added. “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.”
A West Midlands native, Smith is best known for leading Aston Villa back to the Premier League in 2019. Smith has also managed Walsall, Brentford, and Norwich City during his lengthy coaching career.
Overall, Smith has posted a 213-174-218 record across all competitions. He earned one Premier League Manager of the Month honor in December 2020.
Smith most recently tried to help Leicester City avoid relegation last spring, but the Foxes only won two of his eight matches in charge.
“We’re excited to welcome Dean and his family to Charlotte to become the next head coach of Charlotte FC,” said Owner David Tepper. “We’re confident his leadership and experience will help elevate our Club beyond its first playoff appearance into a championship team.”
Charlotte FC reached the Wild Card Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs but suffered elimination at the hands of the New York Red Bulls.
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