Philadelphia Union assistant manager Pat Noonan has been hired as the new head coach for FC Cincinnati. Noonan has been with the Union since 2018, and it was only a matter of time before he signed a head coaching job.

Cincinnati’s new GM, Chris Albright, was formerly the technical director for the Union and has decided to bring one of his good friends with him. The club looks to turn around, as this will be their sixth coaching hire in only four seasons. 

Noonan was primarily known as the former player who scored the first goal in Subaru Park history before joining Curtin’s technical staff in 2018. He helped the Union attack and is credited for his advice in Penalty kicks that helped the Union advance to their first-ever Eastern Conference Final.

In a news release following the hiring, Jim Curtin had nothing but great things to say about Noonan.

“Pat has been integral to helping the players execute the club’s philosophy on the field and has brought his exceptional attacking acumen as a player to a young group that has improved each season he has been with the club, he is more than deserving of this chance and ready to be a head coach. While we’ll greatly miss him here, I know he’ll be successful going forward as he starts this new challenge and wish him all the best.”

Future for the Union

It will be interesting to see how much of an impact the departure of Noonan will show on the field. He clearly has played a significant role in the club’s success, especially on the attacking side of the field. In addition, union defender Kai Wagner is reportedly eyeing a move to Europe, leaving the Union with multiple holes to fill next year. 

Mandatory Credit: MLS