The San Francisco Deltas are set to begin play in 2017, and the man tasked with leading them into their first NASL campaign is one coming off one of the most impressive seasons in league history.
Former Ottawa Fury FC coach Marc Dos Santos has been hired as the first head coach in SF Deltas history, the club announced on Wednesday. The Canadian coach will leave his role as head coach of Sporting KC affiliate Swope Park Rangers following the conclusion of the 2016 USL season. Dos Santos will then officially begin his work with the Deltas in October ahead of November tryouts.
“I am honored to be named the head coach of the Deltas,” Dos Santos said. “I’ve been in clubs all over the world and I believe this is different. I believe we’re going to be able to bring players that want to be part of the city, part of the organization. I believe the team that is behind this has a new way of thinking, so this makes me believe big time that this is going to be a successful story.”
“Marc’s track record of success and experience developing players with a winning mentality is initially what motivated us to reach out to him,” SF Deltas CEO Brian Andrés Helmick added. “However, after spending time with him and his wife Marie, it became abundantly clear that his values overlap perfectly with ours. He is a risk taker and is open to innovation; he values honesty and transparency; and despite all of his success, he has remained truly humble and kind. We feel incredibly fortunate to welcome Marc and his family to San Francisco.”
Prior to taking charge of the Swope Park Rangers, Dos Santos led Fury FC all the way to the 2015 NASL championship game following a Fall Season title. Dos Santos earned honors as NASL Coach of the Year for his efforts, which saw him lead ninth in the Spring standing all the way to a Fall crown.
At the end of the 2015 season, Dos Santos took on the role of SPR head coach, leading the team to a a 8-9-5 mark to date in the club’s inaugural season,
“Sporting Kansas City is a fantastic organization,” Dos Santos said. “The fans are incredible and the vision of the club is very clear. Peter Vermes and Kerry Zavagnin have given me all the tools to succeed. I don’t have enough words to thank them for everything they have done for me and for the belief they have in my work. I’ve learned a lot from them and I’m very privileged to consider them as friends.”
The SF Deltas are expected to play their first preseason game in February against the San Jose Earthquakes.
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