Coaching Changes

DC United name Oscar Pareja head coach

26MLS_Pareja-DC_hire

D.C. United have named Oscar Pareja their new head coach, the club announced Saturday.

Pareja will begin his tenure with the 2027 Sprint Season after D.C. parted ways with former head coach René Weiler earlier Saturday.

The Colombian manager last spent six-plus seasons with Orlando City (2020-26), where he became the winningest coach in club history with a 110W-75L-56D record across all competitions. He parted ways with the Lions in March following a winless start to the 2026 season.

During his time in Orlando, Pareja guided the club to their first MLS-era trophy (2022 US Open Cup) and qualified for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in each year he was at the helm.

"Oscar is a proven leader in Major League Soccer with an established track record of building competitive teams, developing talent and achieving success at the highest level,” said D.C. United managing director of soccer operations Dr. Erkut Sogut.

“His experience and understanding of the league make him the right person to lead our club forward. We are confident in his ability to establish a clear identity, build a strong foundation, and bring sustained success to D.C. United. We look forward to working together as we begin this next chapter for the club.” 

Pareja previously managed the Colorado Rapids (2012-13), FC Dallas (2014-18) and LIGA MX's Club Tijuana (2018-19). In 2016, Pareja lifted the Supporters' Shield and US Open Cup with Dallas, earning MLS Coach of the Year honors.

He has led his teams to the playoffs in 10 of his last 11 seasons.

The Black-and-Red finished 14th in the Eastern Conference in 2026 and will seek a return to the postseason for the first time since 2019.

D.C. begin their 2027 campaign at home against Red Bull New York on Feb. 21 (1 pm ET | Apple TV).