Head Coach

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of First Team preparation and performance
• Design and implement training plans that maximize player and team development
• Develop match strategies and game plans aligned with club principles
• Prepare the team tactically, technically, physically, and mentally for competition
• Lead all matchday coaching responsibilities and in-game decision-making
• Evaluate team performance and implement continuous improvement processes
• Establish competitive standards and accountability expectations throughout the squad
• Drive consistent improvement in team performance metrics and competitive outcomes
• Serve as the primary architect and daily steward of the AC Grand Rapids game model
• Translate club philosophy into observable behaviors, training activities, and match performance
• Implement a consistent style of play throughout all phases of the game
• Collaborate with sporting leadership to continuously evolve and refine the club’s football methodology
• Maintain alignment between recruitment, development, and playing identity
• Create an environment where every player improves
• Lead the implementation of Individual Development Plans
• Provide regular feedback and performance evaluations
• Develop leadership capacity and professional habits within the player group
• Identify and support players capable of progressing to higher levels
• Balance individual growth with team performance objectives
• Promote a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Lead, mentor, and develop the First Team technical staff
• Foster collaboration across coaching performance, medical, analysis, and operations departments
• Ensure clear communication and role clarity throughout the staff structure
• Create a unified leadership team aligned around common objectives
• Partner closely with AC Grand Rapids Academy leadership to create a seamless player pathway
• Support the implementation of a shared football methodology throughout the club
• Facilitate Academy player integration opportunities
• Participate in player reviews, pathway discussions, and succession planning
• Ensure alignment of terminology, principles, and developmental priorities
• Serve as a visible advocate for internal player development
• Collaborate with the VP of Sporting Operations & Strategy and the Head of Scouting, Recruitment & Performance Analysis on roster construction and player recruitment
• Assist in establishing positional profiles and squad needs
• Evaluate recruitment targets and provide technical recommendations
• Support succession planning and long-term roster development
• Participate in trialist evaluations and talent identification initiatives
• Serve as a visible ambassador for AC Grand Rapids
• Represent the club professionally with supporters, sponsors, media, and community stakeholders
• Participate in club events and community initiatives
• Promote the growth of soccer throughout West Michigan
• Embody the values and identity of AC Grand Rapids in all public interactions

  Required Skills & Qualifications

  • USSF A License, UEFA A License, or equivalent
  • Eligibility to obtain or maintain a USSF Pro License
  • Significant coaching experience within professional, elite academy, collegiate, or international environments
  • Demonstrated success in developing players and building high-performance cultures
  • Strong tactical expertise and game model implementation experience
  • Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary staff
  • Experience utilizing video, data, and performance analysis to support decision-making
  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to work effectively within a collaborative sporting structure
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States and travel extensively with the team

  Preferred Qualifications

  • USSF Pro License or UEFA Pro License
  • Professional head coaching experience
  • Experience within MLS, MLS Next Pro, or comparable professional environments
  • Track record of advancing players to higher competitive levels
  • Experience building or transforming sporting cultures
  • Experience working within integrated academy-to-professional development systems