D.C. United appoints René Weiler as their new head coach

Last week, D.C. United decided to fire Troy Lesesne as their head coach after two seasons in charge, following their elimination from the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals in Nashville. Less than a week later, D.C. has found their man. 

The club announced via news release Wednesday morning that they have hired René Weiler as their new head coach. 

“René is a tactician with a proven ability to implement a clear and disciplined playing style, and to adapt that system to bring the best out of his players,” said Ally Mackay, General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer. “He builds teams that are organized, aggressive out of possession, and purposeful in attack. That style reflects the identity we’re working to establish at D.C. United. His experience developing talent and demanding high standards makes him the ideal leader to guide this project. We’re excited to welcome him to the club and fully support his vision for what this team can become.”

Weiler, 51, will join the team once he receives his work permit. Interim head coach Kevin Flanagan will still be in charge for the time being. 

Weiler recently oversaw Servette FC in his native Switzerland, where he served both as head coach and sporting director for the past two seasons. He led the club to the Swiss Cup title in the 2023-24 season as manager. He transitioned to the sporting director role this past season, where the club finished in second place. Both Servette and Weiler mutually parted ways at the end of the season. 

“D.C. United is a club with a proud history and a passionate fanbase,” said René Weiler, D.C. United Head Coach. “The foundation on site gives me confidence in what we can build. There’s still a lot of work ahead, but I’m fully committed to leading this club back to where it belongs, competing at the highest level in MLS.”

 René Weiler named D.C. United head coach on Wednesday morning. Photo Credit: Sky Sports

Weiler has had a 24-year coaching career as a head coach, having coached in Switzerland, Germany, Egypt, Belgium, and Japan. Having won titles won the Belgian league and cup titles with Anderlecht in 2016-17, as well as leading the Belgian side to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League that season. He won the Egyptian league in the 2019-20 season with Al Ahly. He also won promotion with FC Aarau in the Swiss Challenge League in the 2012-13 season, where they finished as champions.  

His last coaching job abroad was with Kashima Antlers of the J-League from 2021 to 2022. 

He becomes the fourth coach D.C. has hired in the last five seasons.