Oakland Roots Hire Benny Feilhaber as Head Coach for the Remainder of 2025 Season

Oakland Roots SC have appointed Benny Feilhaber as their new head coach through the end of the 2025 USL Championship season, signaling a new chapter for the club following a difficult start to the year. The move comes on the heels of Gavin Glinton’s dismissal after a disappointing run: three wins, seven losses, and one draw in league play, along with an early exit in the U.S. Open Cup against Tacoma.

Feilhaber, 40, is a well-known name in American soccer. As a player, he earned 44 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team from 2007 to 2017, appeared in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and scored the decisive goal against Mexico in the 2007 Gold Cup final. His club career spanned Europe and MLS, featuring stints with Hamburg, Derby County, Aarhus, New England Revolution, Sporting Kansas City, and LAFC.

Since retiring in 2019, Feilhaber has transitioned to coaching, beginning as an assistant at UCLA and later taking charge of Sporting Kansas City’s U-17s. Most recently, he led Sporting KC II in MLS Next Pro, compiling a record of 81 matches with a 1.44 points-per-game average across three seasons.

“We’re excited to have Benny Feilhaber take over through the end of the season,” said club president Lindsay Barenz. “We believe there’s still a lot to fight for, and we have the squad to push for the playoffs.” The Roots currently find themselves struggling in the standings, and Feilhaber’s appointment reflects a desire to reset the team’s direction with a coach who brings both elite playing experience and developmental credentials.

The job won’t be easy. Oakland Roots have faced inconsistency and have struggled to establish a rhythm in the early part of the season. Feilhaber’s immediate task will be to stabilize the squad and build momentum toward a potential postseason run. His deep understanding of the game and leadership qualities are expected to bring a fresh perspective to a club in need of inspiration.

“Welcome to Oakland, Coach,” the club posted as it introduced Feilhaber to fans and media alike—ushering in what they hope will be a turning point in their 2025 campaign.