D.C. United part ways with Troy Lesesne

Troy Lesesne has been let go as D.C. United head coach. Photo Credit: D.C. United

On Thursday morning, D.C. United announced via an official statement that the club had let go of head coach Troy Lesesne and assistant head coach Kevin Prince. They also announced the promotion of Academy Director Kevin Flanagan as the club starts the process of finding a new head coach. 

Flanagan was appointed as Academy Director this season. 

“We want to thank Troy for his dedication over the last two seasons,” Ally Mackay, D.C. United General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer said. “After internal discussions, we have decided to part ways with Troy and go in a different direction as a club. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with a focus on identifying a leader who aligns with our club’s identity and long-term vision. This is a pivotal moment for D.C. United, and we are committed to making the right decision for the future of our team. In the meantime, I have full confidence in Kevin Flanagan to lead the group. I’ve worked closely with Kevin for many years, and we will give him all the support he needs as we move through this transition.”  

Lesesne was appointed as D.C. head coach on January 10th, 2024, before his time as D.C. United head coach Lesesne was named the interim head coach of the New York Red Bulls, where he led them to the playoffs. 

In his two seasons as United's head coach, Lesesne had a 14-24-17 record in the regular season. Lesesne’s final match as head coach was in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday night, where The Black-and-Red fell 5-2 against Nashville SC. 

This will be the fourth head coach D.C. United has had in the last six seasons, with the dismissals of Ben Olsen in 2020 and Hernan Losada in 2022. Wayne Rooney resigned from the post in 2023.