The Head Coach of Sporting Kansas City II (MLS Next Pro) is responsible for leading all aspects of the team’s technical, tactical, and cultural development within the Club’s professional pathway. The primary objective of this role is to facilitate the growth and progression of individual players – preparing them for success with Sporting Kansas City’s First Team and beyond. This position plays a central role in fostering and learning-focused, high-performance environment that reflects the Club’s values and playing identity, ensuring every player receives the guidance, support, and challenge necessary to reach their full potential.
Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. All associates are expected to positively collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds. We encourage all talented individuals looking for a challenge to apply.
Essential Functions
- Lead all SKC II training and match activities, focusing on developing players through purposeful, educational, and individualized training sessions.
- Desing and implement personalized development plans tailored to each player’s growth within the Club’s pathway.
- Collaborate closely with the First Team and Academy coaching staff to ensure alignment in playing philosophy, performance standards, and player development goals.
- Work in partnership with the player personnel, scouting, and performance departments to identify, recruit and nurture players capable of progressing through the SKC system
- Provide consistent and constructive through one-on-one meetings, video analysis, and ongoing communication with players and staff.
- Mentor and support technical staff members, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes learning, innovation, and shared development.
- Promote a culture of growth and accountability, where development, curiosity, and professionalism are the foundation of daily work.
- Serve as a bridge between the Academy and First Team, ensuring continuity in player education and readiness for higher levels of competition.
- Represent the Club’s values and culture, acting as a role model for young professionals both on and off the field.
Personal Attributes
- Deep understanding of player development and a genuine passion for teaching, mentoring, and guiding young professionals.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect, motivate and inspire players from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Collaborative leader who values input, teamwork, and shared decision-making across departments.
- Reflective and open-minded coach who embraces innovation, feedback, and continuous improvement.
- Strategic thinker who can plan, organize, and adjust based on individual player needs and long-term development goals.
- Demonstrate emotional intelligence, patience, and empathy when working with developing players and staff.
- Operates with integrity, humility, and consistency – serving as a role model for professionalism and lifelong learning.
- Committed to fostering an inclusive and positive environment where players feel valued, supported, and challenged.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of high school diploma or G.E.D. requirement; bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years’ coaching experience, ideally within a professional club or elite development environment.
- USSF A License and/or UEFA A License strongly preferred.
- Comprehensive understanding of player development strategies, long-term athlete development principles, and age-appropriate coaching methods.
- Familiarity with MLS roster regulations and professional player pathways.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and video analysis software.
- Bilingual or multilingual ability preferred; English fluency required.
Physical & Working Conditions
- Based primarily at the Club’s training facility and stadium, with regular travel for matches and events.
- Work involves both on-field coaching and office-based planning environments.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, bend, stoop, push and pull as required.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
- Travel and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are required.
- Must maintain professionalism and emotional control in demanding or high-pressure situations.
