The first major move of Atlanta United’s offseason has set the tone for what’s shaping up to be an exciting rebuild. The Five Stripes announced Chris Henderson, a seasoned MLS executive, as their new Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director. Henderson, known for his sharp eye for talent and impressive resume, was introduced during a press conference at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, alongside club president and CEO Garth Lagerwey.
“Chris is a proven winner,” Lagerwey said. “He’s one of the most decorated executives in MLS history with nine titles to his credit. He’s one of the best talent evaluators in our league.”
This hire marks the first big step in reshaping the club as Atlanta United also searches for a new head coach and fills two open designated player (DP) slots.
Henderson’s Vision for Atlanta United’s Roster
As the new architect of Atlanta United’s soccer operations, Henderson shared his insights on how he plans to build a competitive and resilient team.
“There are many ways to build a team, but depth is critical,” Henderson explained. “What happens when you have injuries? When players get called up to international duty? You need to have those answers ready and give your coach all the weapons they need to succeed.”
Henderson emphasized the importance of getting the DP signings right, viewing the two open slots as opportunities to bring in top-tier talent capable of elevating the squad.
“We want to add some top-end, really high talent, and then fill in those pieces to complement those players,” Henderson said. “It’s about building off of those and doing it over two or three transfer windows.”
A Promising Start to Atlanta’s Rebuild
With Henderson’s proven track record, which includes guiding Inter Miami and achieving major successes alongside Lagerwey in Seattle, Atlanta United fans can expect a thoughtful approach to roster construction. His focus on depth, complemented by marquee signings, could reignite the club’s competitive edge.
Stay tuned, Atlanta—this offseason is just getting started, and with Henderson at the helm, the Five Stripes are poised for a bold new chapter!
