Orlando Pride add three assistants to interim head coach’s staff

FolioPitch.com – 07 October 2026 | The Orlando Pride have moved swiftly to reshape their technical bench, announcing on Tuesday that the club has hired Mykell Bates and Lewis Amos as assistant coaches, along with Brian Periman as goalkeeper coach. The trio will join existing assistant Scott Sutter on interim head coach Yolanda Thomas’ staff. In a week that has seen significant upheaval, the Orlando Pride add three assistants to interim head coach’s staff in an effort to stabilize the team following the surprising dismissal of former head coach Seb Hines and the simultaneous departure of goalkeeper coach Paul Crichton.

Thomas, who was elevated to the interim role after Hines’ exit, now has a reinforced group of coaches to help navigate the remainder of the season. The club’s decision to bring in Bates, Amos, and Periman signals a clear intent to maintain competitiveness while the search for a permanent head coach continues. For a squad that has ambitions of playoff contention, the experience and diverse backgrounds of the new hires could prove crucial.

Mykell Bates brings player development pedigree

Mykell Bates arrives in Orlando after a four-season stint as an assistant coach with Angel City FC. During his time in Los Angeles, Bates earned a reputation for his work in player development and individualized technical training. His coaching résumé also includes roles at U.S. Soccer, the Los Angeles Football Club Academy, and Santa Clara University. Bates’ ability to nurture young talent and refine technical skills will be particularly valuable for a Pride side that features a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging domestic players.

“Mykell is known for his player development expertise and individualized technical training work,” a club statement noted. His appointment underscores the Pride’s commitment to long-term growth, even as they navigate short-term turbulence. The Orlando Pride add three assistants to interim head coach’s staff with an eye not just on immediate results but also on building a sustainable pipeline of talent.

Lewis Amos adds international and youth development experience

Lewis Amos joins the Pride after most recently serving as Girls ECNL Director and USL W League Head Coach for Sporting Jax. His career spans more than a decade across technical leadership, coaching, and player development roles in both the United States and England. Amos’ background in youth development and his familiarity with the American soccer landscape will complement Bates’ skill set and provide Thomas with a well-rounded support network.

Amos’ experience in the ECNL and USL W League—two critical developmental platforms for women’s soccer in the U.S.—suggests he understands the pathways that produce top-tier talent. His ability to transition players from youth levels to professional environments could be a boon for the Pride, who have shown a willingness to invest in young players.

Brian Periman tasked with stabilizing goalkeeper corps

The departure of Paul Crichton left a void in the goalkeeper coaching department, and Brian Periman has been brought in to fill it. Periman spent the past year as the head of goalkeeping for USL Super League side DC Power FC. He brings extensive experience with the U.S. youth women’s national team program, having served as both a talent identification scout and goalkeeper coach. His dual role as a scout and coach gives him a unique perspective on evaluating and developing shot-stoppers.

Periman’s appointment is particularly timely given the Pride’s need for consistency at the back. Goalkeeping is a position where chemistry and trust between coach and player can make a tangible difference, and Periman’s familiarity with the U.S. youth setup should help him integrate quickly with the current goalkeeping unit.

Scott Sutter’s expanded role

Scott Sutter, a former Orlando City SC defender, was promoted to assistant coach earlier in the season following the departure of Giles Barnes. Sutter had previously served as the Pride’s player development coach since joining the club in March 2025. His deep knowledge of the Orlando soccer community and his transition from player to coach make him a valuable asset on Thomas’ staff. Sutter’s presence provides continuity amid the recent changes, and his familiarity with the squad’s culture will help the new assistants settle in.

What it means for the Pride’s season

The Orlando Pride add three assistants to interim head coach’s staff at a critical juncture. With Thomas at the helm, the team must quickly integrate the new coaches and implement tactical adjustments. The NWSL is unforgiving, and any drop in form could jeopardize playoff hopes. However, the collective experience of Bates, Amos, and Periman suggests the Pride are not simply filling gaps—they are upgrading their technical infrastructure.

Bates’ work with Angel City and U.S. Soccer, Amos’ decade-plus in development, and Periman’s specialized goalkeeper expertise offer a blend of skills that could elevate both individual players and the team’s overall performance. The move also signals to the fan base that the front office is serious about supporting Thomas and the squad during this transitional period.

Conclusion

The Orlando Pride’s rapid coaching overhaul is a bold response to an unexpected crisis. By bringing in Mykell Bates, Lewis Amos, and Brian Periman, the club has added proven developers and specialists who can help steady the ship under Yolanda Thomas. While the long-term head coaching question remains unanswered, the immediate priority is clear: get results on the pitch. As the season progresses, the impact of these hires will be measured not just in wins and losses, but in the growth of players and the cohesion of the team. For now, the Pride have shown they are willing to act decisively to protect their ambitions. The Orlando Pride add three assistants to interim head coach’s staff, and with that, they hope to turn a turbulent chapter into a foundation for future success.