The Portland Thorns are facing one of their most important hires ever in franchise history. After three seasons of mid-level football, the club needs a reset. The team hopes to enter the championship picture again, and this pending decision comes at a crucial inflection point.
The Thorns head coaching position is one that should be seen with prestige and viewed as one of the top jobs in women's soccer. This club hasn't been the same since the departures of Mark Parsons and Rhian Wilkinson.
Jeff Agoos made the right call in letting Rob Gale go, but now it's time for Agoos, Lucy Rushton, and Angus McNab to bring in their own coach. McNab, in particular, isn't afraid to bring in big names (see: his work with the Canadian National Teams).
Sam Svilar
Make no mistake, current Portland assistant coach Sarah Lowdon has every chance to be a terrific head coach one day. However, allowing her the opportunity to learn from the next hire will be massive. She'll also be able to provide them with a wealth of knowledge about the NWSL and personnel.
Heading in 2026, the club will have a brand new training facility for the first time in the team's history. They will also have a roster flushed with some of the biggest names on the planet, especially if Sophia Wilson returns.
Many expectations will be similar to that of Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang's hiring of Jonatan Giráldez and rightfully so.
Do I see that same scenario playing out? I just don't see that happening in this case, especially with the less-than-ideal timing.
With all that said, these are my top candidates: