Atlanta United fires coach Ronny Deila following 5-16-3 record in his only season

Advertisement

Advertise with us

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta United coach Ronny Deila was fired Sunday, one day after the end of a 5-16-3 season.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$0 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Monthly Digital Subscription

$4.99/week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta United coach Ronny Deila was fired Sunday, one day after the end of a 5-16-3 season.

Deila was dismissed after only one season.

Atlanta United CEO and president Garth Lagerwey said a global search for a replacement would begin immediately.

Atlanta United head coach Ronny Deila watches during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Inter Miami, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Atlanta United head coach Ronny Deila watches during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Inter Miami, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

“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.”

Lagerwey said he thanked Deila “for his time and commitment to the organization and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

The season ended with Saturday night’s 1-1 draw with D.C. United in the final appearance by longtime goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who announced his retirement on Tuesday.

Deila was hired by Atlanta United on Dec. 20, 2024. The move brought Deila back to Major League Soccer three years after he guided New York City FC to the 2021 championship.

Deila was given a three-year deal to replace Rob Valentino, who served as interim coach after Gonzalo Pineda was fired in June 2024.

Atlanta United had immediate success after entering the league in 2017, making the playoffs in its debut season and winning the MLS Cup the following year, while setting numerous league attendance records.

Atlanta hasn’t claimed a trophy since the 2019 season, when it captured both the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup in addition to making a run to the MLS Eastern Conference final.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Report Error Submit a Tip

Soccer

LOAD MORE