The months-long search for a coach is over, as the Orlando Pride on Monday named Marc Skinner as the second head coach in club history following Tom Sermanni, who parted ways with the Pride at the end of the 2018 season.

“We are very pleased to conclude the club’s search for a new head coach and know the team here in Orlando put a lot of work into securing the best candidate to lead our talented group of players,” said Pride GM Erik Ustruck in a club release. “Marc will bring a breath of fresh air to the Pride through his modern approach to the game while instilling a foundation of principles to build from as both an innovative and progressive manager. We have an incredible opportunity in 2019 and beyond, and we are confident that Marc has the ability to create a winning culture with the Pride.”

Skinner spent the last two and a half seasons as the manager at Birmingham City Women F.C. of England’s FA Women’s Super League.

The 35-year-old served as technical director of Birmingham’s youth academy for seven years before being promoted to head coach of the women’s first team in 2016, leading the club all the way to the Women’s FA Cup Final that season.

“I want to thank the Orlando City SC organization for giving me the opportunity to lead the Pride ahead of the 2019 NWSL season,” Skinner said in the release. “I believe that this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’m excited to see what the group can bring to this league, and my staff and I will work hard to give them the direction to reach new heights.”

Skinner has not yet named his coaching staff.

(Photo Courtesy of Orlando Pride)

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