The Portland Thorns have announced their new Head Coach will be Robert Vilahamn, former Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur Women, pending receipt of his P1 visa.
“I’m very excited and thankful to be the new head coach of the Portland Thorns,” Vilahamn said. “The club has everything I look for, with a clear ambition to win, an incredible fan base and a strong environment for developing talented players.”
“The NWSL is the most competitive league in the world, and coming to the U.S. to be part of it is a major
step in my career. I’m really looking forward to starting this next chapter in Portland,” said Vilahman.
Vilahamn was most recently the Head Coach of Tottenham. Tottenham finished sixth in the WSL in the 2023-2024 season, and eleventh in the 2024-2025 season, one position away from relegation. Vilahamn departed Tottenham at the end of the season after a series of poor performances.
Previously, Vilahamn was the Head Coach of BK Häcken’s women’s team and assistant coach of BK Häcken’s men’s team. He led BK Häcken to clinch qualification in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and made consecutive Swedish Cup finals in 2022 and 2023.
“Robert arrives with managerial experience at the highest levels of the women’s game, possesses a strong track record of helping players grow, and will strengthen our team environment by providing new global perspectives and insights,” President and General Manager of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos said.
“His proactive, front-foot approach aligns with the identity and expectations of the Thorns and our supporters, and we look forward to welcoming him to Portland,” said Agoos.
Star forward Sophia Wilson is expected to return from maternity leave this season, although the Thorns have also had a notable departure, with midfielder Sam Coffey leaving for WSL club Manchester City.
The Thorns will kick off their season on Friday, March 13, with an away match against the Washington Spirit.
