NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville Soccer Club announced on Wednesday that current head coach Gary Smith has been named the franchise’s first Major League Soccer head coach and will transition with the club in 2020.
Smith has previous MLS experience as the head coach of the Colorado Rapids where he won an MLS Cup title in 2010.
Prior to his time in Colorado, Smith was on the staff for numerous English clubs. Nashville SC is confident that Smith’s extensive experience across various levels and leagues will be important in assembling a multinational roster.
.@NashvilleSC CEO Ian Ayre announces current head coach Gary Smith has been named the franchise’s first Major League Soccer head coach. pic.twitter.com/Kjah8JBDQG
— Nashville’s #1 Sports Station (@1045TheZone) March 6, 2019
Nashville SC’s CEO Ian Ayre said although he conducted his search for head coach throughout the game, he always kept coming back to Gary as the first and best candidate.
Gary Smith’s opening remarks being named the franchise’s first MLS head coach. — #NashvilleSC pic.twitter.com/cVTsJucVrG
— Nashville’s #1 Sports Station (@1045TheZone) March 6, 2019
Smith thanked Ayre, John Ingram, the rest of ownership and others in his opening statement at the introductory press conference at First Tennessee Park on Wednesday.
Gary Smith was asked how he’s seen the league change since he won an MLS Cup title in 2010 with the Colorado Rapids. — pic.twitter.com/nbloQdtca0
— Nashville’s #1 Sports Station (@1045TheZone) March 6, 2019
Ian Ayre was asked “what’s next?” for Nashville SC now that the head coach and logo have been revealed. He mentioned recruiting first and foremost.
CEO Ian Ayre was asked “what’s next?” for @NashvilleSC now that the head coach and logo have been revealed.
He mentioned recruiting first and foremost. — pic.twitter.com/zJy6EESo5f
— Nashville’s #1 Sports Station (@1045TheZone) March 6, 2019