In a move that’s sure to ripple through the city’s passionate soccer scene, Atlanta United has parted ways with head coach Ronny Deila, the club revealed Sunday morning, Oct. 19.
Atlanta United Fires Coach Ronny Deila
The decision comes on the heels of a grueling 2025 season that left fans yearning for the glory days of the club’s 2018 MLS Cup triumph.
Deila’s tenure with the Five Stripes was a short and turbulent one, marked by a dismal 6-18-13 record across all competitions.
The team limped to a 14th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, scraping together just 28 points—barely edging out the league’s wooden spoon holders, D.C. United.
For a fanbase accustomed to sold-out Mercedes-Benz Stadium roars and playoff chases, the results were a bitter pill.
The Norwegian tactician stepped into the hot seat back in December 2024, bringing a resume that once sparkled with promise. Deila etched his name in MLS history by guiding New York City FC to the 2021 MLS Cup title.
Before that, he made waves abroad, steering Belgian powerhouses Club Brugge and Standard Liège, and more recently, managing Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates.
But in Atlanta, the magic never materialized amid injuries, tactical mismatches, and a squad that struggled to gel.
“It’s clear our level of performance this year didn’t live up to the expectations we set for ourselves,” said Atlanta United CEO and President Garth Lagerwey in a statement. “After discussions with our senior leadership, we’ve concluded that a change in direction is what’s best for the club moving forward.”
Lagerwey didn’t mince words about the debt owed to the supporters who’ve packed the stands and turned Atlanta into a soccer hotbed.
“At the end of the day, we owe our incredible fans a far superior product on the pitch, and we’re fully committed to delivering that to this vibrant community without delay.”
The club extended its gratitude to Deila for his efforts during a challenging year. “We appreciate Ronny’s dedication to Atlanta United and wish him nothing but success in his next chapter,” Lagerwey added.
As the offseason dust settles, all eyes in ATL turn to the hunt for Deila’s successor. With the 2026 campaign looming, can the club reignite the fire that once made Mercedes-Benz Stadium quake? For now, it’s a reset—and a reminder that in Atlanta soccer, anything less than contention just won’t cut it.
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for updates on the coaching search and roster moves. Share your thoughts: Who should be next in the dugout?