ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta United coach Ronny Deila was fired Sunday, just one day after the conclusion of a disappointing 5-16-3 season. Deila’s dismissal came after only one year at the helm.
Atlanta United CEO and president Garth Lagerwey announced that a global search for a new head coach would begin immediately.
“It was evident that our standard of play was not met this season, and together with our senior leadership team, we have decided that it was in Atlanta United’s best interest to move the team in a different direction,” Lagerwey said in a statement released by the team.
“Ultimately, we owe our fans a much better on-field product and it is our unwavering commitment to provide that to this community as soon as possible,” he added.
Lagerwey also expressed his gratitude toward Deila, saying he “thanked him for his time and commitment to the organization and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
The season concluded on Saturday night with a 1-1 draw against D.C. United. It was also the final appearance for longtime goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who announced his retirement earlier this week.
Deila was hired by Atlanta United on December 20, 2024, marking his return to Major League Soccer three years after leading New York City FC to the 2021 MLS Cup championship.
He was given a three-year contract to replace Rob Valentino, who had served as interim head coach following the firing of Gonzalo Pineda in June 2024.
Atlanta United enjoyed immediate success after entering MLS in 2017, making the playoffs in their inaugural season and winning the MLS Cup the following year while setting several league attendance records.
However, the club has not secured a trophy since the 2019 season, when it captured both the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup and made a run to the MLS Eastern Conference final.
___