Atlanta, GA, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta United has announced the dismissal of head coach Ronny Deila after a disappointing season concluded with just 6 wins. The decision, made by CEO Garth Lagerwey, comes after high expectations were unmet despite significant signings like Emmanuel Latte Lath. Deila’s record fell short, finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference. The club now plans a global search for a new head coach as it aims to regain its former success.
Atlanta United has parted ways with head coach Ronny Deila following a disappointing 2025 season. The announcement came on Sunday morning, October 19, marking the end of Deila’s tenure with the club after just one season. His record included 6 wins, 18 losses, and 13 draws across all competitions, leading Atlanta United to finish 14th in the Eastern Conference with a total of 28 points, narrowly above last-place D.C. United.
Deila was appointed as head coach in December 2024, bringing a wealth of experience to the position. Prior to joining Atlanta, he had a successful stint with New York City FC, where he won the MLS Cup in 2021, and he also managed clubs in Europe and the Middle East, including Al Wahda, Club Brugge, and Standard Liège.
Atlanta United CEO and President Garth Lagerwey noted that the team’s standard of play was not met during Deila’s time, which prompted the decision to pursue a new direction. Lagerwey reaffirmed the club’s commitment to enhancing the on-field product for fans.
This season, Atlanta United entered with high expectations after making significant signings, including forward Emmanuel Latte Lath for a reported MLS-record transfer fee of $22 million from Middlesbrough FC, in addition to re-signing midfielder Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United. However, the club’s performance fell short, tying with D.C. United for the fewest wins in MLS, managing only five victories.
The team concluded the season with a goal differential of -25, ranking as the third-worst in the league. Remarkably, Atlanta United managed just one win in their final 18 matches. The season ended with a 1-1 draw against D.C. United, which also marked the retirement of longtime goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Deila’s departure marks the latest chapter in a series of coaching changes for Atlanta United, following the tenures of Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Frank de Boer, Gabriel Heinze, and Gonzalo Pineda. The club is now focused on recapturing its previous success, having won the MLS Cup in 2018.
As the organization moves forward, Atlanta United plans to begin a global search for a new permanent head coach immediately.
Summary of Atlanta United Coaching Changes
| Name | Tenure | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Gerardo “Tata” Martino | 2017-2018 | MLS Cup Champion (2018) |
| Frank de Boer | 2018-2019 | US Open Cup Champion (2019) |
| Gabriel Heinze | 2020 | None |
| Gonzalo Pineda | 2021-2022 | None |
| Ronny Deila | 2024-2025 | None |
FAQ
What prompted Atlanta United to dismiss coach Ronny Deila?
The decision was made because the team’s standard of play was not met, leading the organization to seek a different direction.
What was Ronny Deila’s record during his season with Atlanta United?
Deila’s record was 6 wins, 18 losses, and 13 draws across all competitions.
Where did Atlanta United finish in the Eastern Conference standings?
The team finished 14th in the Eastern Conference table with a total of 28 points, narrowly above last-place D.C. United.
What notable signings did Atlanta United make prior to the 2025 season?
Atlanta United signed forward Emmanuel Latte Lath for a reported MLS-record transfer fee of $22 million from Middlesbrough FC and re-signed midfielder Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United.
When did Atlanta United last win the MLS Cup?
Atlanta United last won the MLS Cup in 2018.
What is the future plan for Atlanta United after parting ways with Deila?
The club is set to begin a global search for a new permanent head coach immediately.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta United News
- Wikipedia: Atlanta United FC
- The Guardian
- Google Search: Ronny Deila Atlanta United
- MLS Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta United FC
- AJC Sports
- Google News: Atlanta United Deila fired
- Goal.com
- Google Scholar: Ronny Deila Atlanta United
- Fox 5 Atlanta
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