Portland Timbers Appoint Jack Cassidy as Interim Head Coach: A Transition Period of Promise
The Portland Timbers have appointed Jack Cassidy, the head coach of Timbers2, as the interim head coach of the first team. This decision comes after the departure of Phil Neville in late May. Cassidy will temporarily lead the first team while the club continues its search for a permanent head coach. General Manager Ned Grabavoy expressed confidence in Cassidy's abilities and highlighted the ongoing productive coaching search process.
During Cassidy's absence, Timbers2 assistant coach Andrés Flores will take charge of the second team. Timbers2 serves as the development squad for the Timbers, providing players with opportunities to compete against other MLS clubs' second teams. The club also announced the release of assistant coaches Dave Van Den Bergh and Alex Dodgshon, director of scouting Nacho Leblic, and Timbers2 goalkeeping coach Steve Reese. Grabavoy thanked them for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavors.
Jack Cassidy, 35, joined Portland ahead of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season and has guided Timbers2 to a strong start with a 6-2-4 record and 23 points in the first 12 matches. Under his leadership, the team has performed well, currently holding a playoff position halfway through the season and losing only once in their last nine matches. The club commended Cassidy for leading them to their best start in five MLS NEXT Pro seasons.
There is no specified timeline for Cassidy's tenure as interim head coach. The Timbers are currently on a three-week break for the summer international window leading up to the World Cup. The club is confident in Cassidy's abilities to lead the team during this transitional period and looks forward to the continued success under his guidance.