Job Title:  First Team 3rd Assistant Coach, Seattle Sounders FC   

Department:  MLS Coaching

Reports To:  Head Coach, Seattle Sounders FC

Type:  Full-Time

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Role Type:  Individual Contributor

OUR CLUB

When you join Seattle Sounders FC, you join a soccer-loving, socially progressive, ambitious club rooted in the best soccer city in America. We have one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup,2022 CONCACAF Champions League, and 2025 Leagues Cup on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The First Team 3^rd Assistant Coach supports the Head Coach and First Team coaching staff in all aspects of team preparation, match performance, player development and all club competitions. This role contributes to the design and delivery of training sessions aligned with the club’s game model, supports match planning and opponent scouting, and leverages video analysis and performance data to drive consistent, high-performance standards. The Assistant Coach also plays a key role in the integration and development of High Potential Players across the club pathway (MLS NEXT Pro / Academy), working closely with technical leadership to align development plans and opportunities with First Team needs.

Beyond on-field responsibilities, the role helps foster an inclusive, growth-oriented environment consistent with the organizational values of Seattle Sounders FC and the club’s commitment to excellence, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

On-Field Coaching & Training Delivery

• Attend and actively contribute to all First Team training meetings, sessions, and matchday operations including preseason, regular season, post season, and all other competitions that Sounders compete in/across.
• Assist the Head Coach with individual and group instruction(s), and positional development aligned with the club’s game model.
• Support the design and implementation of daily training sessions, including planning, setup, execution, and post-session meetings with staff and players alike.
• Reinforce learning objectives and inform future training design through video review of training sessions regularly
• Maintain day-to-day integrity of the First Team environment, ensuring professional standards, accountability, and consistent messaging across the staff.

Match Preparation, Opponent Scouting & Game Administration

• Assist with preparation for all technical and tactical components of First Team matches, including development of match-specific, situational, and player-specific strategies.
• Help prepare and present opponent scouting reports, game model reviews, and pre-game meetings as assigned by the Head Coach.
• Support and aid in enforcement and compliance of all club, league, and competition rules applicable to coaching staff and players.
• Attend weekly player movement meetings and report necessary information to Head Coach and first team coaching staff.

Set Pieces

• Support planning and delivery of attacking and defending set pieces for each opponent as assigned by the Head Coach.
• Design and implement set piece training components in coordination with the Head Coach and staff.
• Support in-game management and adjustments for attacking and defending set pieces.

Game & Player Evaluation

• Review First Team matches and provide clear performance feedback specific to top developing young players, as well as action items aligned with Pro Player Development Coach.
• Support the development of player evaluations and ratings for First Team matches as assigned by General Manager.
• Use video, performance data, and scouting insights in coordination with the Pro Player Development Coach, to contribute to individual player development and player selection/movement decisions.

Integration of High Potential Players (Pathway Alignment)

• Support coordination and integration of High Potential Players into First Team training and match plans in partnership with Technical Leadership.
• Participate in cross-department meetings to evaluate High Potential Players and align development plans, playing minutes, as well as short, and long-term plans with First Team focused objectives.
• Coordinate, as needed, daily player movement between First Team and Tacoma Defiance training sessions, ensuring clear communication and planning with staff.
• Collaborate with Academy and Development staff on development plans, performance reviews, and appropriate competitive opportunities.
• Identify and advise of appropriate opportunities for High Potential Players to participate in First Team matches in conjunction with assistant coaching staff(preseason, regular season, tournaments, and other competitions).

Player Recruitment & Scouting Support

• Assist the Head Coach and Sporting/Technical Leadership in supervision and coordination of the recruiting process as assigned.
• Acquire information on players of interest, including review of video, performance data, background research, and scouting insights.
• Contribute to player assessment discussions and recommendations when requested.

Video Analysis & Performance Support

• Use video to analyze training and match performance, including individual and unit work.
• Prepare individual and team video edits under the direction of the Head Coach and/or technical performance staff.
• Support the integration of performance data and analysis into daily training and match preparation.

Preseason & Scheduling Support

• Participate in preseason planning and coordination, including meeting scheduling, training schedules, and staff workflows as assigned.
• Assist with ensuring readiness for preseason competitions and travel demands.
• Attend preseason in full unless otherwise directed by Head Coach or General Manager

Club Representation, Community & Culture

• Participate in promotional, sponsorship, and public relations activities including, but not limited to matchday promotions, clinics, speeches, interviews, photo sessions, public appearances, sponsor activities, and media programs featuring the club.
• Participate in volunteer and community activities, including but not limited to club-wide initiatives and programs, the RAVE Foundation, and other employee community engagements.
• Together with club leadership, foster, develop, and uphold an inclusive culture consistent with Sounders FC values and the club’s commitment to social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Other

• Perform such other duties consistent with the role of First Team Assistant Coach as may be assigned by the Head Coach and/or Sporting/Technical Leadership.

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum U.S. Soccer Federation “A” License or equivalent (UEFA A, etc.).
• 5+ years of professional coaching experience (club or national team level).
• Experience working in a high-performance environment with proven ability to operate under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of modern coaching methodologies, match analysis, and training session design aligned with a defined game model.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively present information in group settings.
• Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and accountability.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism, with the ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive or proprietary information.
• Proficiency in basic technology and productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort working with video analysis platforms.
• Ability to travel extensively and work irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by training and match schedules.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer in all interactions.

Preferred

• MLS / FFF Elite Formation Coaches License and/or other advanced credentials.
• Experience in MLS and/or MLS NEXT Pro environments, including familiarity with roster rules and player pathways.
• Proven track record integrating and developing young professionals into First Team environments.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) or multi-lingual.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This position will work in-person from the Sounders FC training facility in Renton, WA.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting up to 20 pounds.

 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 - $180,000 and eligible for bonus opportunity. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, annual employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave: We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage: Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.