Today, the Kansas City Current have announced major changes with Coach of the Year frontrunner Vlatko Andonovski moving to Sporting Director and Ryan Dell to General Manager.
Co-owners Angie and Chris Long
commented, “To continue the club’s upward and global trajectory, we must put in place an organizational structure that reflects the growth of what we’re doing within the KC Current ecosystem and beyond. These changes will allow us to further carry out our mission of staying at the forefront of women’s soccer globally.”
“We are thrilled to have someone of Vlatko’s stature and experience step into this critical role and lead the technical side of our organization as we grow our platform and global footprint,” said Angie and Chris Long. “These conversations started before we hired Vlatko and have been part of the bigger picture ever since. From youth development to the first team, his long-term vision for the club will help us continue the relentless momentum the organization has displayed since day one.”
Who’s a strong candidate for the job? Two names are in the line: assistant coaches Milan Ivanovic, who has been Andonovski’s assistant coach for almost 10 years in three clubs and the USWNT, and Freya Coombe, who has already coached two NWSL clubs.
Former Racing Louisville FC general manager Ryan Dell has been promoted to general manager. KC Current and former interim GM Caitlin Carducci’s have mutually agreed to part ways.
“From day one, Ryan has been an incredible addition to our technical staff, immediately making us a better club through everything he touched, whether soccer operations or building new properties,” said Angie and Chris Long. “We collectively share a deep passion for making the Kansas City Current the best women’s football club in the world, and we are thrilled he accepted this promotion. His professionalism and deep understanding of the global soccer landscape makes him invaluable to our organization.”
“The Kansas City Current embodies the best of women’s sport. That’s the allure of this organization, and that’s why I’m honored to have this opportunity,” said Dell. “The youth development pathway we are creating, the incredible support system that’s in place and the best-in-class infrastructure is forever changing the women’s soccer landscape. What’s being built here, and what we will build together in the future, is remarkable, and I’m excited to keep solidifying our place as the leader in the sport.”
Andonovski’s move inside the organization was only a matter of time. After all, the Northern Macedonian told ESPN that he knew this change was coming; they “just didn’t know when it was going to happen.”
“Kansas City is, and always will be, home,” said Andonovski. “It’s vital to move into this role to keep growing this club with the aim of being a perennial contender on the global stage and a top developer of talent. From world-class soccer to the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women’s team to the best fans in the country, I am proud of what has been built here in the city that means so much to me. The potential is limitless for this club, the foundation for further success has been laid and the best is yet to come.”
Andonovski’s winning mentality is well known and he looks forward not only to next year but also beyond that. “This role will allow me to be involved in this long-term success, but also it will allow me to take a step back and focus and strategize on winning in the future,” he explained.
The former USWNT coach’s responsibilities will include being part of the hiring committee that will choose the next head coach, growing the owner’s multi-club portfolio, and focusing on the Current’s roster, as well as the staff and player development.
