Former New York Red Bulls, Toronto and Colorado Rapids manager Chris Armas has been named the team's new head coach. NVSL Kansas City Current Club.
Armas will replace former U.S. women's national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski, who stepped down from the head coaching position at the end of the 2025 campaign to focus solely on his job as Kansas City's athletic director.
Armas most recently led the men's game as head coach of the Rapids, whom he left in October at the end of his contract. The 53-year-old has had a nomadic coaching career, during which he also worked as an assistant coach at English clubs Manchester United (under Ralf Rangnick) and Leeds United (under Jesse Marsh).
Armas led the Red Bulls to MLS Supporters' Shield in 2018 after replacing March, who left mid-season to join Red Bull Salzburg. He led the Red Bulls to a disappointing finish in 2019 before being fired in 2020. The following season, he lasted just 15 games in charge of Toronto, losing 10 of those games before being fired. This was followed by spells at Manchester United and Leeds United. He was hired by the Colorado Rapids ahead of the 2024 season, but was fired at the end of the 2025 campaign after missing the playoffs.
Armas last coached the women's game at the college level, leading the Adelphi University Panthers from 2011 to 2014, posting improved results each year culminating with an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
During his playing career, he earned 66 caps for the United States national team and played 264 MLS games, winning the MLS Cup in 1998. In 2000, he was named US Soccer Player of the Year.
“We are thrilled to have Chris in Kansas City and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to take the club to new heights,” Andonovski told the club's news channels. “Chris brings a wealth of experience with him that will be invaluable.”
Armas, who previously took over as Leeds' interim manager in February 2023 following Marsh's sacking for the Premier League match against Manchester United, said of his arrival alongside last year's NWSL Shield winners: “With a talented group of players, facilities and a passionate fan base, this club is a world-class environment. Above all, what impressed me most was the culture and the people.”
“I am inspired by the shared vision of the owners and staff and will do everything in my power to help KC Current become the best women's football club in the world.”
