Fort Lauderdale United FC announces return of head coach Tyrone Mears

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Fort Lauderdale United FC has confirmed a major leadership move ahead of the 2026 campaign, announcing the return of Tyrone Mears as head coach of its Gainbridge Super League side. The decision brings Mears back to the touchline after a brief transition into an executive role within the club’s front office.

The club said Mears will resume full head coaching responsibilities for the team’s third season in franchise history. His return comes after a period of organizational adjustment following his earlier promotion to President of Soccer on September 16, a role in which he helped oversee broader sporting direction.

Despite stepping away from coaching duties for a time, Mears remained closely tied to the club’s long-term planning. Now, Fort Lauderdale United FC is bringing him back to lead the team directly once again, while still maintaining influence over the club’s wider football structure.

Interim Head Coach Paul Jennison, who stepped in during the transition period, will remain with the organization and continue as part of the coaching staff moving forward. The club emphasized continuity as a key part of its decision, aiming to preserve stability while returning Mears to his familiar role on the sidelines.

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Mears is no stranger to success in Fort Lauderdale. During the club’s inaugural season, he guided the team to a 12-9-9 record, earning 42 points and establishing the foundation for what would become a competitive Super League side. His work that season earned him two Coach of the Month honors and helped lead Fort Lauderdale United FC to a place in the inaugural Super League Final.

His influence carried into the 2025/26 season as well, where he added another Coach of the Month award to his résumé before moving into his executive position. Across both coaching stints, Mears has been closely associated with the club’s early identity, shaping its playing style and competitive mindset.

Club leadership believes his return will strengthen both the present and future direction of the team. Founder and Chairman Tommy Smith praised Mears’ impact on the organization and pointed to his leadership qualities as a key reason for the decision.

“Since the day Tyrone arrived, he has helped establish the culture, standards, and identity of this club,” said Tommy Smith, Founder & Chairman of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “As we continue building for the future, we believe his leadership, experience, and connection to our players make him the right person to guide this group. We’re excited to have him back leading the team while he continues to shape the broader vision of our sporting department.”

For Mears, the return to coaching is about getting back into the daily rhythm of working directly with players and continuing the club’s development on the field. He emphasized both competitiveness and long-term growth as central goals for the upcoming season.

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“This club means a great deal to me, and I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the players on a daily basis again,” Mears said. “We have a talented group, a strong foundation, and ambitious goals. My focus is on helping this team compete at the highest level while continuing to build an environment that supports player development and long-term success throughout the club.”

His comments reflect a broader ambition within Fort Lauderdale United FC to balance immediate results with sustainable growth. As the club enters its third season, expectations are rising following early success and consistent competitive performances in the Gainbridge Super League.

The 2026 season is set to kick off in August, giving Mears and his coaching staff several months to prepare the squad for another demanding campaign. With continuity in leadership and a familiar coaching structure in place, the club is aiming to build on its early achievements and push further in the standings.

As Fort Lauderdale United FC continues to shape its identity in a growing league, the return of Tyrone Mears marks a significant moment for the organization. It signals both a renewed focus on on-field performance and a commitment to stability as the club looks ahead to the challenges of the 2026 season.