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Atlanta United has dismissed head coach Ronny Deila following a disastrous 2025 campaign that saw the club finish near the bottom of Major League Soccer’s standings. The decision was announced Sunday, just one day after the Five Stripes closed their season with a 1-1 draw against D.C. United.
Deila’s departure ends a turbulent single season in charge, during which Atlanta posted a 5-16-3 record. The Norwegian coach, who joined the club in December 2024 on a three-year deal, failed to revive a side once regarded as one of MLS’s elite.
“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,” said CEO and president Garth Lagerwey in a statement. “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 added that the club would immediately begin a global search for Deila’s successor, while thanking the outgoing coach.
Deila, who previously guided New York City FC to the 2021 MLS Cup title, was brought in to replace interim boss Rob Valentino following the midseason dismissal of Gonzalo Pineda. His tenure, however, never lived up to expectations despite major investments in the squad.
Atlanta United’s struggles this season continued a decline that began after its early triumphs under Tata Martino. Since lifting the MLS Cup in 2018 and claiming two domestic trophies in 2019, the club has been unable to rediscover that winning formula.
With Deila’s firing, Atlanta will now be searching for its fifth head coach since Martino’s departure as it seeks to restore the success that once defined the franchise.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Kelly, Unsplash / Mark Stuckey
