San Diego FC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps Receives Contract Extension

Heaps' new deal will keep him in the role through the first half of 2029.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tyler Heaps, the sporting director of San Diego FC, has received a contract extension that will keep him in the role through the first half of 2029. Heaps built a roster that set MLS expansion records for wins and points during the 2025 regular season, and the team has continued its strong performance in 2026, defeating Pumas in the Concacaf Champions Cup and beating Montreal 5-0 in their MLS season opener.

Why it matters

Heaps' contract extension is a vote of confidence from San Diego FC's ownership in the direction of the team and the work Heaps has done in assembling a competitive roster. The team's early success in 2026 suggests Heaps' roster-building efforts have paid off, and the extension ensures continuity in the club's leadership as they look to build on their promising start.

The details

Heaps brought in designated player Anders Dreyer, who finished second in the 2025 MVP race with 19 goals and 19 assists. However, the future of another designated player, Mexican star Chucky Lozano, remains uncertain, as Heaps and head coach Mikey Varas have announced the decision to move forward without him.

  • On February 25, 2026, Tyler Heaps received a contract extension that will keep him as San Diego FC's sporting director through the first half of 2029.
  • In 2025, San Diego FC set MLS expansion records for wins and points during the regular season.
  • In 2026, San Diego FC defeated Pumas in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup and beat Montreal 5-0 in their MLS season opener.

The players

Tyler Heaps

The sporting director of San Diego FC who built a roster that set MLS expansion records in 2025 and has continued the team's strong performance in 2026.

Anders Dreyer

A designated player for San Diego FC who finished second in the 2025 MVP race with 19 goals and 19 assists.

Chucky Lozano

A Mexican star who is currently not on the active roster for San Diego FC, as the team has announced the decision to move forward without him.

Mikey Varas

The head coach of San Diego FC who, along with Tyler Heaps, announced the decision to move forward without Chucky Lozano.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thankful, I'm grateful. We have fantastic owners. We have a fantastic facility. It's an unbelievable city and community so I'm happy to be a part of it.”

— Tyler Heaps, Sporting Director (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

The uncertainty surrounding San Diego FC's $7.6 million designated player Chucky Lozano remains unresolved, as Heaps and Varas have announced the decision to move forward without him. The team will need to determine Lozano's future with the club.

The takeaway

Tyler Heaps' contract extension is a testament to the success he has brought to San Diego FC in a short period of time. The team's early results in 2026 suggest Heaps' roster-building efforts have paid off, and the extension ensures continuity in the club's leadership as they look to build on their promising start. However, the future of designated player Chucky Lozano remains uncertain, and the team will need to resolve that situation as they continue their push for success.