ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 The Orlando Pride \u201cparted ways\u201d with head coach Seb Hines on Monday, and immediately named assistant coach Yolanda Thomas as interim head coach.<\/p>\n
Pride VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Caitlin Carducci credited Hines for raising the club to new heights while signaling a need for fresh direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe will always have a special place in our history for helping lead the Pride to levels it had never reached before,\u201d Carducci said in a press release. \u201cHowever, as we look toward the Club\u2019s long-term vision and future objectives, we believe that this is the appropriate time for a leadership change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Owner and Chairman Mark Wilf echoed that sentiment, saying Hines leaves behind a lasting legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis commitment to our players, his staff and this club helped deliver some of the most important moments in our history,\u201d Wilf said. \u201cBeyond the results, he helped establish a culture that elevated expectations for what this organization could achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomas Takes the Reins<\/p>\n
Thomas has been part of the Pride coaching staff since the 2023 season. In 2025, she took on additional responsibilities as head coach of the U-23 U.S. Women\u2019s Youth National Team during two camps.<\/p>\n
Before joining Orlando, Thomas built her coaching r\u00e9sum\u00e9 at Tulsa Soccer Club and Fortuna Tulsa of the Women\u2019s Premier Soccer League. Under her leadership, the organization earned Franchise of the Year honors in 2019 and 2021. She also took home 2019 WPSL Red River Conference Coach of the Year recognition.<\/p>\n
Goalkeeper Coach Also Departs<\/p>\n
Goalkeeper coach Paul Crichton is also leaving the club. Crichton joined the Pride coaching staff prior to the 2023 season and departs alongside Hines.<\/p>\n
The Pride did not announce a timeline for a permanent head coach search.<\/p>\n
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