USL Birmingham Legion FC

Khano Smith Named Head Coach of USL Championship's Rhode Island FC

March 8, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


BIRMINGHAM, AL - Legion FC announced today that Assistant Coach Khano Smith has been named the first-ever Head Coach of Rhode Island FC ahead of its inaugural USL Championship campaign in 2024.

"We are proud of Khano and excited to see him take on this opportunity," said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. "Khano has played a key role in Legion FC from our inception, and he has worked hard to earn this next step in his career."

Smith spent four successful seasons helping lead Legion FC after becoming one of the Club's initial hires ahead of its first season in 2019. That experience with a brand-new club is part of what drew RIFC to Smith as a candidate and what piqued Smith's interest in the project.

"I had a front row seat to watch [Head Coach] Tommy [Soehn] and Jay build a winning culture in Birmingham, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to do the same in Rhode Island," said Smith. "I would not be in this position without the support of the entire Birmingham family. North American soccer in expanding and the USL Championship is getting stronger each year. I look forward to competing against my friends and doing my part to promote the beautiful game. Birmingham will always be a part of me."

Smith will continue to coach the Black & Gold through the first month of the season before reporting back to New England, where he played for Major League Soccer's Revolution for five seasons.

Legion FC kicks off its 2023 USL Championship campaign on Saturday, March 11, at 6:30pm at Protective Stadium in a contest versus Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Single game tickets are available now.

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