Chris Henderson Joins Atlanta United as Sporting Director, Reuniting with Garth Lagerwey
Big moves are happening in Major League Soccer, and Atlanta United FC is at the center of it all. The club has officially hired Chris Henderson as its new sporting director, sources have confirmed to ESPN. This decision marks a significant shift for the Five Stripes as they look to rebuild and reestablish themselves as a dominant force in MLS.
The news was first reported by GiveMeSport, and it’s already creating waves across the league. Henderson, who previously held a similar role with Inter Miami CF, will be stepping into the position left vacant after Carlos Bocanegra was fired back in September. As part of the deal, Inter Miami will receive a second-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft as compensation. Talk about a high-stakes trade-off!
Why Henderson’s Move Makes Sense
For those following MLS closely, this move isn’t exactly a shocker. Henderson’s role at Inter Miami had been in question ever since the club brought in Raul Sanllehi as president of soccer operations in June. While Henderson played a crucial role in helping Miami navigate the penalties from their 2021 roster violations, his position became somewhat redundant under the new leadership structure.
Now, Henderson gets a fresh start in Atlanta, and it’s a reunion of sorts. He’ll be teaming up once again with Atlanta United president Garth Lagerwey. The duo previously worked together at Seattle Sounders FC from 2008 to 2021, where they built a legacy that included two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, and four U.S. Open Cup titles. If their past success is any indication, Atlanta fans have plenty to be excited about.
Timing Is Everything
The timing of this hire couldn’t be better for Atlanta United. The team is currently without a permanent manager after parting ways with Gonzalo Pineda last June. While interim manager Rob Valentino did an admirable job, even leading the team to an upset victory over Inter Miami in the MLS Cup playoffs, Atlanta ultimately fell to Orlando City SC in the Eastern Conference semifinals. With Henderson now in place, the search for a new manager can take center stage.
Additionally, Atlanta has two open Designated Player spots, giving Henderson and the front office plenty of flexibility to make impactful roster moves. This is a golden opportunity for the Five Stripes to reshape their squad and aim for a deeper playoff run next season.
Henderson’s Impressive Resume
Chris Henderson isn’t just a front-office wizard; he’s also a former player with an impressive career. His 12-year professional journey took him to Germany and Norway before he joined the Colorado Rapids in 1996, the inaugural season of MLS. Over the years, he also suited up for the Kansas City Wizards, the Miami Fusion, the Columbus Crew, and the New York Red Bulls. Notably, he was part of the Wizards team that won the MLS Cup in 2000.
On the international stage, Henderson made 79 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team, scoring three goals. He was even part of the squad that competed in the 1990 World Cup. With a resume like that, it’s no wonder he’s been so successful in his post-playing career.
What’s Next for Atlanta United?
With Henderson now in the fold, Atlanta United is poised for a transformative offseason. Here’s what to watch for in the coming months:
- Manager Search: Will Henderson and Lagerwey bring in a big-name coach, or will they opt for a rising star in the coaching world?
- Designated Player Signings: With two DP spots open, expect some high-profile signings to bolster the squad.
- Rebuilding the Roster: Henderson’s track record suggests he’ll be aggressive in shaping a team capable of competing for trophies.
Atlanta United fans, buckle up. With Chris Henderson and Garth Lagerwey steering the ship, the Five Stripes are gearing up for what could be a thrilling new chapter in the club’s history. The pieces are falling into place, and the 2024 MLS season can’t come soon enough.
Originally Written by: Jeff Carlisle
