The Orlando Pride announced today that the club has parted ways with head coach Seb Hines, effective immediately. Assistant coach Yolanda Thomas will step up as interim head coach. Goalkeeper coach Paul Crichton, who joined ahead of the 2023 season, is departing the club alongside Hines.
“We want to express our gratitude to Seb for the dedication, leadership and professionalism he brought to the Club during his time with us,” said Caitlin Carducci, Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations & General Manager.
“He will always have a special place in our history for helping lead the Pride to levels it had never reached before. However, as we look toward the Club’s long-term vision and future objectives, we believe that this is the appropriate time for a leadership change. We are grateful for all that Seb has contributed and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
Hines first joined the Pride in 2022, first as an interim head coach and then on a permanent deal. He led Orlando to a domestic double just two years later, winning both the Shield and the Championship in 2024, and won NWSL Coach of the Year honors that same season. Hines made history as the first Black head coach to lead a club and to win a trophy in the NWSL.
“Seb leaves an undeniable legacy with the Pride,” said Mark Wilf, Orlando Pride Owner & Chairman. “His commitment to our players, his staff and this club helped deliver some of the most important moments in our history. Beyond the results, he helped establish a culture that elevated expectations for what this organization could achieve. We are thankful for everything Seb has contributed and wish him and his family the very best moving forward.”
Orlando currently sit in 12th in NWSL standings, most recently losing 2-1 to the Utah Royals after opening the scoring.
Thomas has served as an assistant coach with the Pride since she joined the club ahead of the 2023 season. During this tenure, she also served as head coach for the U-23 USWNT for two camps in 2025.
Thomas assumes the interim head coach role after serving as an assistant coach with the Pride since joining the Club ahead of the 2023 season. While with the Club, Thomas also served as head coach for the U-23 U.S. Women’s Youth National Team during two camps in 2025.
