Washington (AFP) – Troy Lesesne, who guided New York Red Bulls into last year's MLS playoffs as an interim coach, was named head coach of DC United on Wednesday, the MLS club announced.
The 40-year-old American replaces former England star Wayne Rooney, who parted ways with United last October by mutual agreement after 1.5 seasons as coach, twice missing the MLS playoffs.
Lesesne, who signed a three-year deal through the 2026 MLS campaign, took over as coach of the Red Bulls last May after the departure of Gerhard Struber and the team went 10-9 with four drawn after that, jumping from last in the Eastern Conference to the MLS playoffs.
After New York collected a playoff victory for the first time since 2018 by ousting Charlotte, the Red Bulls fell to Cincinnati in a best-of-three series.
Lesesne hopes to lift DC United into the MLS playoffs for the first time since 2019.
"This club has been a staple in this league since its inception in 1996," Lesesne said.
"I'm highly optimistic that we have the infrastructure and investment to reach the level the fans deserve. I know there's a lot of work ahead of us in the next few weeks as we prepare for the 2024 season and I'm looking forward to getting started."
Lesesne spent 10 years as a college assistant coach before working from 2014-2021 as an assistant and head coach for US minor-league teams, notably his first head coaching stint at New Mexico United, where he went 34-25-29 with two playoff trips and a berth in the US Open quarter-finals.
He joined the Red Bulls as an assistant coach in January 2022.
"We were thoroughly impressed with Troy during the course of the interview process," DC United general manager Ally Mackay said.
"Troy has an impressive pedigree in American soccer and has worked at all levels of the soccer pyramid in this country. We believe his high-pressing tactical approach and player-first managerial style make him the best candidate to lead this club in a new and exciting direction."
United's MLS season opener will be February 24 at home against New England.