The Portland Thorns have announced Mike Norris as the new head coach of the club. After reports popped up before the weekend suggesting that the assistant coach was set to take charge, the club made it formal today.
“We are excited to have Mike move into our head coach position,” said Thorns FC general manager Karina LeBlanc. Norris served as an assistant coach to the Thorns during their championship-winning 2022 season, and that continuity and positive relationship with the players was a key part of his hire.
“During his time with the club, he has exhibited an ability to connect with the players by not only helping them develop as athletes, but also grow as people,” LeBlanc shared.