Assistant Coach, Tacoma Defiance

Seattle Sounders • Renton, WA

4d • $80,000 - $105,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• USSF “A” License.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• MLS / FFF Elite Formation Coaches License strongly preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) or Multi-Lingual a plus.

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees