Minnesota United FC announced on Monday that Cameron Knowles has been promoted to head coach, effective immediately.
As the club prepares for its milestone 10th season in Major League Soccer, Knowles steps into the role following the departure of Eric Ramsay. A familiar face at Allianz Field, Knowles becomes the fourth permanent head coach in the club’s MLS history, bringing a deep understanding of the organization’s culture and player development pathway.
The vitals
- Position: Head coach
- Birthdate: Oct. 11, 1982
- Nationality: New Zealand
- How he joined the club: Originally joined in 2021 as a video analyst; promoted to head coach on Jan. 12, 2026.
The story so far
Cameron Knowles has undergone a steady and impressive ascent within the Minnesota United coaching ranks. After starting as a video analyst in 2021, he was appointed as the first-ever head coach for MNUFC2 in 2022. During his time with the second team, he was instrumental in bridging the gap between the academy and the first team, overseeing the development of several prospects who eventually made the jump to the senior roster.
In early 2024, Knowles served as the interim head coach following the departure of Adrian Heath and prior to the arrival of Eric Ramsay. His brief tenure was a resounding success, as he led the team to an undefeated 2-0-1 start that included a victory over Orlando City and a home draw against the defending champions, Columbus Crew. For the past two seasons, he has served as a key assistant on the first-team staff, maintaining stability and continuity through the club’s recent playoff runs. Before arriving in Minnesota, Knowles spent nearly a decade with the Portland Timbers, where he was an assistant coach for their 2015 MLS Cup victory.
Coaching philosophy and leadership
Knowles is recognized for his analytical approach and his ability to maximize player potential through individual development. Having worked at every level of the club, he possesses a unique perspective on the long-term vision of the organization. Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad described Knowles as the right leader for this moment, citing his understanding of the club’s standards and his proven ability to build strong, competitive teams.
His tactical flexibility was on display during his interim stint, where he emphasized a resilient defensive structure while allowing the team’s creative players freedom in transition. Knowles has expressed his gratitude to the ownership group and leadership for the opportunity, stating his intent to build upon the foundation laid over the past decade. His appointment signals a commitment to internal growth and continuity as the team enters a pivotal new chapter.
The Knowles record in Minnesota
- Interim first team record: 2-0-1 (unbeaten in early 2024)
- MNUFC2 tenure: 2022–2023 (inaugural head coach)
- Coaching honors: 2015 MLS Cup champion (assistant coach with Portland)
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