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Jeff Kassouf
The Kansas City Current has officially named Chris Armas as head coach, a decision initially reported by ESPN in December, marking the second time a former MLS head coach has taken on an NWSL role.
Former New York City FC coach Nick Cushing was also appointed to lead the NWSL expansion team in Denver, becoming the first ex-MLS coach to transition to an NWSL club.
Armas’ hiring by the reigning 2025 NWSL Shield winners follows a recommendation from mutual friend Jesse Marsch, head coach of the Canadian men’s national team.
In November, Kansas City announced that Vlatko Andonovski would step down from his coaching position to focus on his role as the club’s sporting director.
Chris Long explained to ESPN, “I literally reached out to Jesse next because he has experience at the highest levels of football.”
Marsch’s ties to the Longs date back to their time at Princeton in the late ’90s, and after making recommendations about Armas, they decided to proceed with him.
Chris Long noted that despite conducting a comprehensive search, Armas remained at the top of their candidate list.
Armas has previously managed the New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC, and Colorado Rapids, in addition to notable roles with Manchester United and Leeds United.
After departing from the Colorado Rapids a couple of months ago, he initially wasn’t certain about his next steps, having discussed an extension with the team since April without success. He wasn’t planning to relocate from Denver and chose to be selective about potential job offers, wanting a perfect fit.
The call from Marsch came in mid-November, and just a day later, Armas was on a video call with the Longs and Andonovski, where everything seemed to click.
Armas’ selection is noteworthy given Kansas City’s status as the previous Shield winners, especially with strong internal candidates like Milan Ivanovic and Freya Coombe remaining on staff as assistants under Armas.
“We spent ample time with Milan and Freya,” Angie Long remarked to ESPN. “Their commitment, similar to Chris’s, is towards the club’s best interests and ensuring alignment with our chosen direction.”
Angie Long highlighted that Armas impressed them with his shared vision for play style, broad experience, and his ability to fit within the organization’s evolving framework.
“We required someone with high-level experience in a multi-club organization with an understanding of player development pathways,” Angie Long emphasized. “Our approach is unique among women’s teams, mirroring structures more common in men’s soccer.”
The Current achieved an impressive 2025 NWSL Shield win, outperforming the next best team by 21 points while conceding only 13 goals across 26 matches.
However, they faced disappointment in the playoff quarterfinals and now must prepare for the upcoming season’s added pressure of Concacaf group play, which is their gateway to the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup that the Longs are aspiring to win.
This strong record, along with the Longs’ significant investments in infrastructure, makes the Current position one of the most sought-after coaching roles globally.
Chris Long mentioned that “a number of highly experienced coaches in women’s soccer showed interest” in the position, while Armas’ only past experience in women’s coaching was a stint at his former college, Adelphi University, from 2011 to 2014.
Armas asserted that he has engaged with both men’s and women’s coaching and emphasizes mutual respect in building rapport.
Angie Long noted that any concerns fans might have regarding Armas’ limited direct experience in women’s soccer don’t capture the essence of who he is as a coach, which they took the time to understand through multiple visits to meet with him in New York.
“We consider how he will connect with our staff and players and what he will help us construct,” Angie Long stated. “Decisions like this involve extensive time and resources to research. Unfortunately, that depth of understanding isn’t always apparent to the fanbase.”
Chris Long recalled a mixed reaction among fans when Andonovski was hired after a challenging period with the U.S. women’s national team, yet they remained confident in that choice, which proved successful.
Armas’ transition to the NWSL poses its challenges, reminiscent of moving between MLS conferences, demanding a fresh perspective on new competitors.
He has been reviewing game footage of the Current to understand better and formulate strategies during the interview process. He found common ground with Vlatko regarding leadership and football philosophy.
In his first year, Armas aims to build on the existing identity in Kansas City, clarifying expectations while committing to uphold the prevailing culture.
He believes that by achieving this, success will follow in the league, playoffs, and Concacaf.
“I’m still adjusting to the league’s tactical nuances, the player pool, and my new team,” Armas noted. “However, my coaching philosophy and how I perceive leadership will remain unchanged. I just need to implement that with the Current. The key aspects, including intensity, vertical play, tempo, and pressing, will certainly be part of our approach.”
Armas enjoyed a 12-year playing career in MLS, primarily as a defender with Chicago Fire FC, achieving numerous accolades, including six MLS All-Star selections.
He represented the United States men’s national team 66 times between 1998 and 2005, missing out on World Cup appearances due to injuries. His contributions earned him induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.