KC Current name Chris Armas as head coach

The Kansas City Current introduced Chris Armas as their new head coach on Wednesday.

Armas, 53, previously coached three MLS teams: Colorado Rapids (2023-25), Toronto FC (2021) and New York Red Bulls (2018-20). He also has been an assistant at Manchester United and Leeds United in England.

Kansas City, the 2025 NWSL Shield winner, announced in November that Vlatko Andonovski was relinquishing his coaching role to focus on his duties as the club's sporting director.

"We are beyond excited to welcome Chris to the Kansas City Current family," co-owners Angie and Chris Long said in a news release. "He brings an abundance of experience at the highest levels both as a coach and a player and shares in our long-term vision of the Kansas City Current being the best women's football club in the world. A natural leader, Chris demands excellence, and we are confident he will further cultivate and enhance our competitive environment as we continue to pursue championships and expand our global footprint."

Armas also spent four seasons as the head women's soccer coach at his alma mater Adelphi University from 2011-14.

"I am honored to be named head coach of the Kansas City Current," Armas said. "Angie and Chris Long have built a top-notch organization with excellence in all that they do, and I'm grateful for their trust. From the talented group of players, the facilities and passionate fan base, this club represents a world class environment. Above all, it's the culture and the people that impressed me most. I'm inspired by the shared vision of the ownership and staff, and I will do everything I can to help make the KC Current the best women's football club in the world."

A longtime midfielder with the U.S. Men's National Team, Armas played professionally in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy (1996-97) and Chicago Fire (1998-2007). He was a six-time All-Star, a five-time MLS Best XI selection and the 2003 MLS Comeback Player of the Year. He won the MLS Cup with Chicago in 1998 and won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup four times.

"We are excited 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 said. "Chris brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable for our organization. His passion for the game is evident, as is his commitment to his players and his winning mindset."

Armas was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2025.