Huntsville City FC announces Chris O’Neal as next head coach

Huntsville City FC announced Monday the appointment of Chris O’Neal as head coach.

O’Neal arrives in the Rocket City most recently having served as U-17 head coach for Inter Miami since 2023. O’Neal led Inter Miami’s U-17 squad to a finish in the Round of 16 at MLS Next Cup in June. O’Neal will officially take charge on August 6th ahead of his first game as head coach against Chattanooga FC on August 10th.

“We’re delighted to bring Chris in as the new Head Coach of Huntsville City FC,” said Director of Soccer Operations Matt Cairns in the press release. “He brings a proven track record of developing top prospects across US Soccer and we look forward to seeing him work with our talented group of players here in Huntsville.”

Prior to O’Neal’s time in Miami, he spent five years as a coach in Sporting Kansas City’s academy, acting as head coach for both the U-15 and U-17 squads. He also has connections to the state of Alabama, having played collegiately at the University of Alabama-Birmingham from 2001 to 2003. In addition to this, O’Neal served as Team Adidas Director at Vestavia Hills Soccer Club.

“I’m incredibly excited to take on the role of head coach at Huntsville City FC,” said O’Neal. “We have a fantastic group of players with immense potential to develop into top-tier prospects, a dedicated staff I’m eager to collaborate with, and a vibrant city that consistently shows its unwavering passion for this team. I’m looking forward to a future marked by growth, success, and community pride.”

O’Neal arrives as the fourth different manager Huntsville has fielded this season. Jack Collison began the season, but the club parted ways with him on April 10th. Christophe Berra then served as interim until July 10th, when he departed and was succeeded by Zac Herold. The club currently sits dead last in the Eastern Conference in MLS Next Pro, having amassed just three wins from 19 games played, including five penalty shootout losses.

Huntsville has nine games remaining in the regular season, including four home games. In addition to this, Huntsville will take on parent club Nashville SC at Joe Davis Stadium on September 4th.