D.C. United introduce Troy Lesesne as head coach

D.C. United named Troy Lesesne as their head coach on Wednesday, signing him to a three-year deal through the 2026 MLS season.

Lesesne, 40, gained his first MLS head-coaching experience when he was named the interim coach of the New York Red Bulls in May 2023 after the team and Gerhard Struber parted ways.

The Red Bulls went 10-9-4 under Lesesne and made the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, but after being eliminated by top-seeded FC Cincinnati, the club opted not to retain Lesesne and hired Sandro Schwarz to the position full-time.

"We were thoroughly impressed with Troy during the course of the interview process," 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 and we're looking forward to welcoming him to the nation's capital."

Lesesne, who hails from South Carolina, was the head coach of New Mexico United of the USL Championship from 2018-21 before resigning and joining the Red Bulls' staff as an assistant.

"First I want to thank Steve Kaplan, Jason Levien, Ally Mackay, and Caleb Shreve for entrusting me to lead D.C. United into a new chapter," Lesesne said. "This club has been a staple in this league since its inception in 1996. I know how passionate our supporters are and I look forward to connecting with them and delivering the results that they deserve."

He replaces Wayne Rooney, who departed at the end of the 2023 regular season to coach Birmingham City of the EFL Championship. Birmingham City fired Rooney last week after he won just two of the season's first 15 matches.

Lesesne will debut with the United in the Feb. 24 MLS season opener against the visiting New England Revolution.