Atlanta United has officially parted company with head coach Ronny Deila following a dismal 2025 MLS season that failed to meet expectations on nearly every front. The club announced the decision just hours after wrapping up a turbulent campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against last-place D.C. United.
Deila Out After Just One Season
The 50-year-old Norwegian manager was brought in with high hopes, having previously found success in both Europe and Major League Soccer. Deila’s résumé included back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic in 2015 and 2016, as well as guiding New York City FC to the 2021 MLS Cup title.
However, his tenure in Atlanta never gained traction. Appointed late last year after leaving Abu Dhabi-based Al Wahda, Deila oversaw a team that managed just five wins and 13 draws in 34 matches, finishing well outside playoff contention and dangerously close to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Club Leadership Signals Need for Change
In a statement addressing the decision, Atlanta United CEO and president Garth Lagerwey expressed the organization’s frustration and commitment to improvement.
“It was evident that our standard of play was not met this season,” Lagerwey said. “Together with our senior leadership team, we determined that a new direction is necessary. Our fans deserve better, and we are fully committed to delivering a higher level of performance going forward.”
A Season of Missed Expectations
Optimism was high at the start of the season, particularly after Atlanta made a splash by signing former fan favorite Miguel Almirón from Premier League side Newcastle United. Despite the marquee acquisition, the Five Stripes spiraled in the second half of the season, recording just one win in their final 18 matches.
Sunday’s 1-1 draw against D.C. United ensured Atlanta didn’t finish last in the East, but it did little to salvage a season that fell far below the club’s ambitions.
What’s Next for Atlanta United?
With Deila out, Atlanta United now faces the challenge of finding a new leader capable of restoring the club to its former glory. The franchise has experienced both highs and lows since joining MLS in 2017, including a league title in 2018, but consistency has been elusive in recent years.
The search for Deila’s replacement is expected to begin immediately as the club looks to reset ahead of the 2026 campaign.
