Interim no more: Jimmy Coenraets finalizes 3-year deal as Utah Royals FC's next head coach

The 29-year-old Belgian becomes the youngest head coach in the NWSL after taking over following the dismissal of Amy Rodriguez in June.

The most expected news around Utah Royals FC came through Thursday morning: Jimmy Coenraets won’t be an interim head coach any longer.

The 29-year-old Belgian becomes the youngest head coach in the NWSL with a deal that runs through 2027 when he was formally promoted to full-time manager Thursday, a position he’s held on an interim basis since taking over following the dismissal of Amy Rodriguez in June.

Under Coenraets, the Royals posted a 5-3-2 record in NWSL play with three times the club’s point total from the first six matches, won their group in the inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, and were the fourth-most successful team in the league (behind Orlando, Gotham and Washington) since the Paris Olympics international break.

“I am incredibly proud to take on the role of head coach for the Utah Royals,” said Coenraets. “My focus is not only on winning but also on developing each player and colleague so that we can excel both as a team and as individuals, on and off the field. As the youngest coach in the league, I aim to grow alongside the club and work towards a long-term vision that benefits our fans and the community. We’ve already seen a fantastic support base in our first year as an expansion team, and it’s my goal to give them even more reasons to support us and come back.

“I am looking forward to building on the foundations that have been established. I want to express my gratitude to Kelly and John for trusting me with the club’s vision.”

The move continues Coenraets’ fast climb through professional soccer since he started in the women’s game in 2016 at the young age of 21. After earning his UEFA A coaching license, Coenraets came to Utah after his first full-time managerial job with OH Leuven, where he took a team ranked last in the league to title contender in only his second season.

The former Belgium Pro League manager of the year posted a record of 77-26-21 record in five seasons with OH Leuven.

"We are thrilled to have Jimmy on-board,” said URFC sporting director Kelly Cousins, who will formally introduce Coenraets as full-time manager at a press conference later Thursday. “Under his leadership since being named interim, the players have found their form on the pitch and have completely bought in to the vision that Jimmy has for this club, both on and off the field.

“Jimmy's commitment to excellence, winning, community and attention to detail aligns with our core values at the Utah Royals, and we are excited for him to stay long term."