D.C. United parts ways with Troy Lesesne as head coach

D.C. United has become the latest MLS club to make a coaching change. 

Troy Lesesne was relieved of his duties as head coach, the club announced Thursday. Academy director Kevin Flanagan has been promoted to interim head coach while D.C. United begins its process to fill the position. 

“We want to thank Troy for his dedication over the last two seasons,” said D.C. United general manager Ally Mackay. “After internal discussions, we have decided to part ways with Troy and go in a different direction as a club.

“Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with a focus on identifying a leader who aligns with our club’s identity and long-term vision. This is a pivotal moment for D.C. United, and we are committed to making the right decision for the future of our team. In the meantime, I have full confidence in Kevin Flanagan to lead the group. I’ve worked closely with Kevin for many years, and we will give him all the support he needs as we move through this transition.”

Lesesne served in the role since January 2024 and recorded a 14-24-17 MLS record during that time. 

Prior to his move to D.C., Lesesne was interim head coach of the New York Red Bulls following their parting with Gerhard Struber. Lesesne led the Red Bulls to the MLS Cup Playoffs after registering a 10-9-4 record.

D.C. United sits 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-7-10 record in MLS play. The club most recently suffered U.S. Open Cup elimination on Wednesday after falling 5-2 to Nashville SC in the quarterfinal round.