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USL North Carolina FC

John Bradford Promoted to NCFC Head Coach and Sporting Director

December 5, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - The North Carolina Football Club has promoted John Bradford to head coach and sporting director of North Carolina FC ahead of the team's return to the USL Championship, as announced by the club on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, Daniel Sellitti has been promoted to director of the NCFC Academy, as announced by NCFC Youth.

Bradford enters his 19th year with the club and served as a coach for the professional North Carolina FC team the past five seasons, including the last three as head coach. He led the team to the USL League One championship in 2023, the first league playoff championship in the team's 17-year history.

"John has been a fantastic representative of our club and region for years and this promotion is well-deserved. He is a great identifier of talent, has a tremendous track record of developing players of all skill levels and career stages, and has proven himself tactically. His knowledge of our club history and competitive drive leaves no doubt he is the right man for the job, and we're thrilled to have this stability during the transition back to the USL Championship," said NCFC owner Steve Malik.

Prior to this promotion, Bradford held a unique role that involved working with the club's first team while overseeing the development of the club's top youth players. A true link in NCFC's youth-to-pro pipeline, Bradford was director the NCFC Academy and technical director of North Carolina FC U-23 of USL League Two.

With the promotion, Bradford becomes the club's first Sporting Director and will oversee all areas of the technical operations of North Carolina FC. He will lead the club's overall vision on player and technical staff recruitment and development for on-field competition. He will also spearhead the identification and facilitation of players for potential transfer and sale to outside clubs, both domestically and abroad, among other efforts to ensure the competitive and financial success of North Carolina FC.

Bradford will remain as an advisor to the NCFC Academy and maintain a critical role in the developmental pathways of the program's top talents.

"I'm honored and excited for the opportunity to lead North Carolina FC in the return to the USL Championship. This club has been a huge part of me and my family for a long time. I'm so grateful to be trusted with this team at one of the most exciting junctures in its lengthy history. Additionally, I'm excited to expand my role with North Carolina FC as our Sporting Director.

Thank you to Steve Malik, the front office staff, the countless players and coaches I've had the pleasure of working with, and, of course, my loving and supportive family. I also want to thank Gary Buete, Paul Forster, and the entire NCFC Youth staff. I know our Boys Academy Program is in good hands with Daniel Sellitti," said Bradford.

Bradford will announce the returning players to the North Carolina FC roster, as well as new signees, in the near future.

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