Rhode Island Appoint Khano Smith As Coach
Rhode Island FC announced that they have appointed Bermudian Khano Smith as its first Head Coach and General Manager in club history.
The USL website said, “Rhode Island FC announced on Wednesday the club had appointed Khano Smith as its first Head Coach and General Manager in club history. Smith is a veteran coach, holding both USSF and UEFA Pro Licenses, as he prepares to lead the 2024 USL Championship expansion club into its inaugural season next spring.”
“I am honored and humbled to be back in New England. I’m excited to build a winning culture with Rhode Island FC,” said Smith. “Rhode Islanders deserve a team they can call their own and I intend to build a side that every Rhode Islander will be proud of. I’m incredibly thankful to Brett Johnson, my former teammate Michael Parkhurst and the entire Rhode Island FC team for having trust in me and my approach to the beautiful game.”
The USL said, “A former player for the New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer and a past captain of the Bermuda National Team, Smith will officially take the reins of Rhode Island FC’s sporting side later this month. He is currently the first assistant coach with Birmingham Legion FC of the USL Championship.
“As Head Coach and General Manager, Smith will lead Rhode Island FC’s soccer operations. He will oversee roster development, manage the technical staff and team operations while fulfilling head coaching duties.”
Photo courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC
“Khano Smith is one of the brightest and fastest rising coaching talents in North American soccer. He has a well-earned reputation amongst his peers for getting the most out of his players and building a culture of excellence. We’re incredibly fortunate to have him in Rhode Island,” said Rhode Island FC chairman and co-founder Brett Johnson.
“Khano will establish a winning tradition on the pitch, and he’ll be an ambassador to Rhode Island’s amazing soccer community. I am confident that he will lead our soccer operations in the right direction and help build a strong foundation for success.”
The USL said, “Smith started his coaching career with the New England Revolution Academy shortly after retiring as an MLS player. He has coached at every level of the game and been a part of coaching staffs on both the men’s and women’s professional sides. As an assistant coach with Southern New Hampshire University [SNHU], he saw his side earn a 19-1-1 record.
“After his successful season at SNHU, Smith joined the coaching staff for the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League and helped propel the team to the league semifinals in 2017. Smith was hired as an assistant coach for Legion FC’s inaugural season in 2019. Since then, he has aided Head Coach Tom Soehn to rising success, with Legion FC having advanced to the USL Championship Playoffs in all four seasons of its history.
“I had a front row seat to watch [Head Coach] Tommy [Soehn] and Jay build a winning culture in Birmingham, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to do the same in Rhode Island,” said Smith.
“I would not be in this position without the support of the entire Birmingham family. North American soccer in expanding and the USL Championship is getting stronger each year. I look forward to competing against my friends and doing my part to promote the beautiful game. Birmingham will always be a part of me.”
