Orlando City Announces Hiring of Assistant Coach Sean McAuley

Orlando City announced this afternoon the hiring of Sean McAuley as an assistant coach on James O’Connor’s staff. McAuley, 46, joins the Lions from the Portland Timbers where he held the same position.

”We are very pleased that Sean has joined us,” Orlando City General Manager Niki Budalic said in a club press release. “His experience in Major League Soccer, coupled with his existing relationship with James, makes him the ideal candidate to complement our existing staff. We look forward to him joining us next week.”

After a long playing career, mostly in England, McAuley joined the Sheffield Wednesday academy from 2005 to 2012, overseeing the development of former Orlando City defender Luke Boden. He became caretaker manager at the club in 2006 and again in 2009-2010. In July 2012, the Englishman departed Hillsborough to join the Timbers’ coaching staff, where he’s spent the past seven seasons.

It’s a reunion for McAuley and O’Connor, who were together at Sheffield Wednesday from 2008-2011, while the latter was a player.

“I am delighted to join Orlando City SC and excited to work toward achieving success for the club and its supporters,” McAuley said. “I have known James for many years, first as a player and then as a coach. I know that he has tremendous passion for the club and excellent leadership qualities, and I’m looking forward to working with him again. I also look forward to getting to know everyone in the Orlando City family and hope my experience of winning an MLS Cup with my Portland colleagues will help build more success for Orlando City and its amazing supporters.”

McAuley will be the fourth member of the coaching staff after Assistant Coach Daniel Byrd and Goalkeepers Coach Thabane Sutu followed O’Connor to Orlando from Louisville City. The new addition will join the team next week and be on the bench for the club’s trip to D.C. next Sunday night.