Assistant Coach, Tacoma Defiance

 

Job Title: Assistant Coach, Tacoma Defiance                                

Department: Defiance Coaching

Reports To: Head Coach, Tacoma Defiance

Type: Full-Time Regular

FLSA Status: Exempt

Role Type: Individual Contributor

Deadline to Apply: December 24, 2025   

 

OUR CLUB

When you join Seattle Sounders FC, you join a soccer-loving, socially progressive, ambitious club rooted in the best soccer city in America. We have one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup,2022 CONCACAF Champions League, and 2025 Leagues Cup on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Coach for Tacoma Defiance supports the Head Coach in all aspects of player development, team preparation, and match performance within the MLS NEXT Pro environment. This role focuses on guiding young professionals and emerging talents through individualized development plans and team strategies that enhance technical, tactical, physical, and psychological growth. By leveraging video analysis, performance data, and scouting insights, the Assistant Coach helps align daily work with the club’s player development philosophy and pathway to the First Team. Beyond on-field responsibilities, the role fosters an inclusive, growth-oriented environment that reflects the club’s core values of excellence, inclusivity, and social impact.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the technical and tactical components of all MLS NEXT Pro preseason, regular season, playoff, tournament, international, friendly, and other matches.
• Assist with preparing for all technical and tactical components of Tacoma Defiance matches, including development of match-specific, situational, and player-specific strategies, and supervising the scouting of opposing teams and players
• Enforce club and league rules applicable to the club’s players and/or coaching staff.
• Together with club technical leadership, foster, develop, and manage an inclusive culture consistent with the organizational values of Sounders FC and the club’s commitment to social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Participate in promotional, sponsorship and public relations activities including, but not limited to, match day promotions, clinics, speeches, interviews, photo sessions, public appearances, sponsor activities and any television, radio and internet programs featuring the club.
• Participate regularly in volunteer and community activities, including but not limited to those of the club, club-wide initiatives and programs, the RAVE Foundation, and of employee’s choosing.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• USSF “A” License.
• MLS / FFF Elite Formation Coaches License strongly preferred.
• An in-depth understanding of, and a demonstrated expertise within the MLS Next Pro platform.
• Proven and successful experiences developing players through the MLS player pathway.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive, cross-functional relationships within an organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and motivational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to effectively present information.
• A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• An understanding of the pressures and commitments required for youth players involved in high level youth soccer (or other elite youth sports development awareness).
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, vendors, and fans.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when privy to sensitive information.
• Demonstrate a willingness to further personal knowledge and development.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) or Multi-Lingual a plus.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This position will work in-person from the Sounders FC training facility in Renton, WA.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some liftingup to 20 pounds.

 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $80,000 - $105,000 and eligible for bonus opportunity. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, annual employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave: We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage: Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.