Marc Dos Santos Named Head Coach Of LAFC

After four years as an assistant coach with Major League Soccer side LAFC, Marc Dos Santos has now been named the third head coach in the club’s history.

The move comes after head coach Steve Cherundolo stepped down following the 2025 MLS season, having helped the side to a double in 2022 and a US Open Cup win last year, all of which Dos Santos was present for.

Dos Santos had also assisted Bob Bradley during LAFC’s inaugural season in 2018 before being named the head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps, a side he told us he left in a better place back in 2021. The present day ‘Caps are currently headed to an MLS Cup Final.

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“We are thrilled to announce Marc as the third head coach in LAFC history,” says LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington, who affirms that the Canadian coach has a true understanding of playing style the club represents: an ‘entertaining, front-foot style of play grounded in ambition, intensity, and a collaborative culture.’

“From our emerging young talents to our most experienced stars, the support for Marc’s appointment has been unanimous. His relationships, clarity of ideas, and passion for LAFC make him uniquely positioned to elevate what we already do well and push us toward our full potential. We are excited for this next chapter under Marc’s leadership as we continue our pursuit of excellence.”

The 48-year-old head coach hails from Montreal, Quebec, beginning his career with the Trois-Riveires Attack and CF Montreal, helping both sides claim titles. After a spell in Brazil, his return to North America saw him named the NASL coach of the year with Ottawa Fury in 2015 and with the title-winning San Francisco Deltas in 2017.

In all, Dos Santos has a 146W-118L-88D record in North American football.

“I’m honoured to step into the role of head coach at LAFC,” says Dos Santos. “This is a special club – you feel it the moment you step into the training facility or stadium, when you meet the people who work here, and when you see the passion of everyone involved. The ambition here is clear in the way we approach each day and in the standards we set for ourselves.”

The Canadian boss wants to build on what he calls an already-strong foundation and culture.

It is unclear what Marc’s coaching staff will look like. His tenure leading the Whitecaps saw his brother Phillip Dos Santos assist him, and Phil is currently a free agent following the folding of Canadian Premier League side Valour FC.

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“As an ownership group, we believe Marc is the right person to lead LAFC to new heights,” adds LAFC Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal.

“Marc has long been a part of LAFC’s amazing culture, and his presence provides all the positives of that continuity. He also brings fresh ideas and new approaches that will continue to elevate the Black & Gold standard. Marc’s qualities as a person and a coach stood out to us when evaluating who would be our next coach. Our expectations for this club – on and off the pitch – have always been ambitious, and we know our supporters in Los Angeles and around the world share those ambition.”

Rosenthal adds that he believes LADC already has a talented roster with many core pieces in place, implying that the expectations are high for Marc Dos Santos as he steps into the lead role at LAFC.