Full Breakdown
LAFC Appoints Marc Dos Santos as New Head Coach
12/6/2025, 2:09:52 AM
Appointment and Background
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has officially appointed Marc Dos Santos as the third head coach in the club's history, following the departure of Steve Cherundolo after the 2025 season. Dos Santos, 48, has been with LAFC as an assistant coach for the past four seasons, contributing to the team's success, which includes winning the 2022 MLS Cup, the 2022 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. His coaching career spans nearly two decades across Brazil, Canada, and the United States, and he earned his UEFA Pro License in September 2022.
Coaching Achievements
Before joining LAFC, Dos Santos served as head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps from 2019 to 2021, where he recorded a 22W-37L-18D record. He has also been recognized as the North American Soccer League (NASL) Coach of the Year in both 2015 and 2017, leading the San Francisco Deltas to the 2017 NASL Championship. His coaching accolades extend to the USL, where he won the Western Conference Championship with the Swope Park Rangers in 2016, and he has had success with various teams in Canada, including the Montréal Impact and Ottawa Fury FC.
Leadership Vision
LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington expressed enthusiasm for Dos Santos's promotion, emphasizing his deep understanding of the club's philosophy and style of play. Thorrington noted that Dos Santos has garnered unanimous support from players, stating, “Marc understands as well as anyone what the best version of LAFC looks like – an entertaining, front-foot style of play grounded in ambition, intensity, and a collaborative culture that reflects who we are as a club.”
LAFC Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal echoed this sentiment, highlighting Dos Santos's continuity within the club and his ability to bring fresh ideas to elevate performance. Rosenthal remarked, “We are confident that Marc possesses the qualities needed to bring out the best in this group.”
Future Prospects
As Dos Santos steps into his new role, he aims to build on the strong foundation established under previous coaches. He expressed his commitment to the club's ambitions, stating, “The ambition here is clear in the way we approach each day and in the standards we set for ourselves.” With a talented roster already in place, including notable players like Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, LAFC looks forward to a promising future under Dos Santos's leadership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are thrilled to announce Marc as the third head coach in LAFC history,” — John Thorrington, LAFC Co-President & General Manager
- “I'm honored to step into the role of head coach at LAFC,” — Marc Dos Santos
- “We are confident that Marc possesses the qualities needed to bring out the best in this group.” — Bennett Rosenthal, LAFC Lead Managing Owner
Conclusion
Marc Dos Santos's appointment marks a significant transition for LAFC as the club seeks to maintain its competitive edge in Major League Soccer. With his extensive coaching background and a clear vision for the future, Dos Santos is poised to lead LAFC into a new era of success.
