Atlanta United Appoints Chris Henderson as New Sporting Director

Atlanta United has announced the appointment of Chris Henderson as the club’s new Sporting Director. Henderson, a seasoned MLS executive with a proven track record of building consistent, winning teams, joins the Five Stripes with decades of experience as both a player and front-office leader.

“Chris has experience building consistent, winning teams in this league, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the club as our new Sporting Director,” said Atlanta United President and CEO Garth Lagerwey. “His illustrious career and vast experience was something we valued in this hiring process, and he was someone who immediately rose to the top of our search. He understands all the nuances that MLS roster building brings, and I’m excited to see him play a pivotal role in helping us bring that consistent winner to Atlanta.”

Henderson joins Atlanta United after a successful tenure as Chief Soccer Officer & Sporting Director at Inter Miami CF, where he played a key role in building one of the league’s top rosters. Under his guidance, Miami captured the inaugural Leagues Cup title in 2023 and set an MLS Regular Season points record in 2024 with 74 points, earning the Supporters’ Shield. Despite Miami’s success, Atlanta United ended their playoff run in the opening round of the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

“I want to thank Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for giving me the opportunity to come to Atlanta, and I’m excited to begin this new journey in my career,” Henderson said. “I’ve followed this club for a while now, and the ambitions of the club, both on and off the pitch, are clear, and that’s to compete for trophies every single season. I’m excited to get to work with Garth and to play a role in helping Atlanta United build on its history of success.”

Henderson brings with him an extensive resume of success from his previous roles, most notably with the Seattle Sounders. One of the club’s inaugural front office members when Seattle entered MLS in 2009, Henderson’s 13-year tenure in the Pacific Northwest was defined by success and consistency. He helped assemble teams that won seven major trophies, including two MLS Cups (2016, 2019), four U.S. Open Cups, and one Supporters’ Shield. Under his leadership, the Sounders qualified for the playoffs in all 12 seasons of his tenure, making four MLS Cup Final appearances between 2016 and 2020.

Throughout his time in both Seattle and Miami, Henderson’s ability to identify talent within MLS’s complex roster regulations has been a hallmark of his success. He has helped develop numerous top-tier players, with 30 players selected as MLS All-Stars during his career—24 from Seattle and six during his time in Miami.

Before transitioning to a front-office role, the Edmonds, Washington native enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a midfielder. Henderson made 348 total MLS appearances, scoring 55 goals and registering 85 assists across regular season and postseason play. A key member of the 2000 MLS Cup-winning Kansas City Wizards, he also played for the Colorado Rapids, Miami Fusion, Columbus Crew, and New York Red Bulls before retiring in 2006. At the time of his retirement, Henderson held the MLS record for regular season games played with 317.

Internationally, Henderson represented the U.S. Men’s National Team 79 times between 1990 and 2001. He was part of the 1990 FIFA World Cup squad as one of three collegiate players selected and later represented the U.S. at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Henderson started every minute of the U.S. team’s 1991 Gold Cup-winning campaign, finishing his international career with three goals and 10 assists.

Before turning professional, Henderson was a standout at UCLA, where he helped the Bruins capture the NCAA National Championship in 1990 and earned All-American honors. He was later inducted into the UCLA Bruins Hall of Fame in 2016.

With Henderson now at the helm as Sporting Director, Atlanta United looks to build on its history of success, aiming to establish consistency and challenge for trophies year after year. His proven leadership and eye for talent are expected to make a significant impact as the club prepares for the upcoming seasons.

Stay tuned for updates as Chris Henderson begins this exciting new chapter with Atlanta United.