A familiar face is returning to the Atlanta United sidelines.

Tata Martino has rejoined the Eastern Conference club on a two-year deal through the 2027 MLS season. Martino previously helped the Five Stripes win MLS Cup in 2018  and become one of the dynamic franchises in the league during that time.

Atlanta United recorded the most points (124), most goals (140) and best goal differential (+56) in MLS during the 2017-18 seasons. They became just the second team in league history at the time to score 70-plus goals in back-to-back seasons while Martino was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2018.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tata back to Atlanta United,” said Arthur M. Blank, Owner and Chairman, Blank Family of Businesses. “Tata is an exceptional manager who set the standard for excellence within our club and helped establish our identity in Major League Soccer. Since then, he has continued to achieve success on the global stage. There is a lot of work to do for us to get back to championship form. 

“This moment is not about revisiting the past but about looking ahead and building a new foundation while embracing the continuing evolution of what it takes to contend in MLS on a regular basis. Tata is a steward of our club’s values with a proven leadership record, and he carries a championship mindset to everything he does. We are excited for the future of Atlanta United with Tata back at the helm.”

The 62-year-old previously coached Inter Miami from 2023-24, leading the club to its first two trophies in franchise history. 

Martino’s prior coaching experience featured stints at Barcelona, Newell’s Old Boys, and the Mexican national team. 

Atlanta United failed to make the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2025 which led to the firing of Ronny Deila as head coach.