D.C. United Parts Ways with Head Coach Troy Lesesne After Less Than Two Seasons

D.C. United has parted ways with head coach Troy Lesesne after less than two seasons. Lesesne compiled a 18-26-17 record across all competitions. The team missed the MLS Cup Playoffs last season and currently sits 12th in the Eastern Conference. Assistant coach Zach Prince has also been dismissed. D.C. United's general manager and chief soccer officer Ally Mackay said the team will search for a new head coach immediately.

D.C. United has announced the termination of head coach Troy Lesesne, who led the team for a season and a half. Lesesne's tenure saw the team finish 10th in the Eastern Conference last season and currently sits 12th with a record of 4W-7D-10L. The decision to part ways comes after a poor performance this season, including a 5-2 loss to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday [1].

General Manager Ally Mackay thanked Lesesne for his dedication and stated that the club will explore new directions. Assistant coach Zach Prince has also been dismissed, and academy director Kevin Flanagan will serve as interim head coach [1]. The team has reportedly lined up Swiss manager René Weiler as the permanent replacement, who currently serves as sporting director at Servette FC [2].

Lesesne's record across all competitions stands at 18-26-17, with the team failing to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs in his tenure. The team's struggles this season have been attributed to a lack of attacking prowess and a lackluster roster, which included only one designated player, Christian Benteke [2]. Despite the team's poor performance, Lesesne remained committed to the organization, often emphasizing United's historic significance in MLS [2].

United's search for a new head coach is expected to be immediate, with the team looking to stabilize its coaching situation and potentially improve its performance in the upcoming games. The team will need to make strategic decisions regarding its coaching staff and player roster to turn around its fortunes.

References:
[1] https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2025/07/10/d-c-united-fires-head-coach-lesesne-weiler-replacement/84531464007/
[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/10/troy-lesesne-dismissed-dc-united/