Sean McAuley

  • Years with club: 2020–2024
  • Role: Assistant coach / Interim head coach

Sean McAuley joined Minnesota United FC in January 2020 as an assistant coach, serving under Adrian Heath for nearly four seasons. Known for his tactical knowledge and focus on defensive structure, he was a key member of the technical staff that stabilized the Loons and turned them into a consistent playoff team in the early 2020s. McAuley was already an accomplished MLS veteran, having served six years as an assistant with the Portland Timbers, including during their 2015 MLS Cup triumph. His tenure with Minnesota came to a head when he was tasked with taking over the top job on an interim basis during a critical point in the 2023 season.

Key stats:

  • Games managed (interim): 2
  • Interim record: 1 win, 1 loss, 0 draws (1.50 points per game)
  • Playoff appearances (as assistant coach): 3 (2020, 2021, 2022)
  • Best coaching finish (as assistant coach): Western Conference Final (2020)

Memorable moments:

  • The seamless transition: After Adrian Heath‘s dismissal late in the 2023 season, McAuley took the reins as interim head coach, successfully guiding the team through a difficult period while they remained in the playoff hunt.
  • The Galaxy rout: In his first match as interim head coach on October 7, 2023, the Loons delivered an emphatic 5-2 victory over the LA Galaxy at Allianz Field, keeping the team’s postseason hopes alive until the final day.
  • The 2020 western conference run: As an assistant coach, he was part of the staff that led Minnesota United to its deepest-ever playoff run, culminating in the 3-2 loss to Seattle Sounders in the 2020 Western Conference Final.

Where are they now?:

McAuley’s time in Minnesota came to an end shortly before the start of the 2024 season.

  • The departure: Although initially announced to continue in the interim head coach role for the beginning of the 2024 pre-season, McAuley departed the club in January 2024 to pursue a permanent head coaching opportunity elsewhere.
  • Current status: McAuley was appointed the head coach of Indy Eleven (USL Championship) in January 2024. In his first season, he led the team to their best-ever run in the U.S. Open Cup, reaching the semi-finals, and secured a home playoff game in the USL Championship.