Atlanta United is preparing for significant changes during the 2025 offseason, according to Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson. Speaking at an end-of-season press conference, Henderson addressed the media for over half an hour, discussing the club’s ongoing coaching search and plans for a comprehensive review of all departments.
Henderson described the past season as “the most difficult” in his three decades in Major League Soccer, both as a player and executive. He said improvements would not rest solely on hiring a new head coach but would involve evaluating coaching staff, scouting, medical teams, and other support areas.
“There’s a lot that goes into it,” Henderson said. “First, when we land on our coaching staff, that collaboration needs to be worked on immediately. [It’s] very important how each department works to support the coaches and the players. Our job behind the scenes is to support and give everything we can to help the group have success.”
While there is no set timeline for naming a new coach, Henderson noted that he hopes to have key positions filled before preparations begin for the 2026 season. The club has spoken with about six candidates so far.
“We’re trying to move through the process quickly,” Henderson said. “We’re right in the middle of those conversations. We feel really happy with the candidates that we’re talking to. Whenever you interview coaches like this, you learn a lot about your organization, and you get a lot of outside opinions that aren’t seeing things inside every single day.”
Henderson confirmed assistant coach Kenny Miller will depart from Atlanta United. Decisions regarding other staff members are pending further evaluation.
Reflecting on last year’s performance, Henderson acknowledged it fell short of expectations and highlighted efforts to improve integration of players joining from leagues with different schedules. He cited fatigue among designated players Miguel Almirón and Emmanuel Latte Lath after they joined mid-European calendar before playing full MLS seasons.
“I like to have a team that has something to prove,” Henderson said. “I think everyone who comes back next year to this team has something to prove, based on what we lived through in 2025.”
Looking ahead, Atlanta United plans roster changes through avenues such as a high pick in the MLS SuperDraft, free agency options, and international signings. The club also intends to expand its international scouting by making additional hires.
“We’re evaluating every position, and sometimes you have to move players, either for cap reasons or just to be able to bring in value for the next acquisition,” Henderson said. “Those are the things we have to really take a deep look at and how we can piece together complementary pieces on the field.”
Henderson noted that summer signings Enea Mihaj, Juan Berrocal and Steven Alzate brought stability during challenging periods.
On tactics moving forward, Henderson expects new coaches will work closely with management when considering roster adjustments. He expressed his vision for an attacking team that leverages home advantage more effectively at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“Some games you have to grind out games, but I think we want to be a team that’s high energy, that’s attacking, that can counter press, that puts teams on their heels,” Henderson said. “In particular at home with the advantage we have with our home crowd, I think we need to take advantage of that in a better way and make this a really tough place to come and play. I don’t feel like teams were afraid to play in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and that needs to change.”
He emphasized culture as critical for future success but declined specifics about coaching candidates out of respect for ongoing discussions.
“A coaching staff can set a culture among the coaches and players,” Henderson said. “That permeates throughout the club, along with the organizational values that we will bring in that are constant every season.”
“There are some games in MLS where you got to bring some grit and fight. We had that for stretches, but we couldn’t maintain it at times for 90 minutes. We saw a big drop off at times after halftime, we come in with all this energy, it looks great, and then we have a letdown. Some of that is not just technique and tactics; some of that is just attitude and mentality.”
Addressing supporters directly—known as “the 17s”—Henderson praised their loyalty throughout difficult results.
“We have a tremendous following,” Henderson said. “Our fans are incredible. The players in this organization have a really close connection with our fans. We saw that with the support throughout the year even when we weren’t getting results.” He added: “I would say we are going do everything we can in this offseason whether it be improving behind-the-scenes support staff or bringing in coaching staff who can bring a contender… We have tremendous support from Arthur Blank and our ownership group; we need take advantage of that make sure we’re successful club.”
