Orlando City parts ways with head coach Oscar Pareja after six seasons

The team announced they mutually parted ways with the longtime Lions coach following a winless start to the 2026 MLS season.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Orlando City SC announced on Wednesday that they have parted ways with head coach Oscar Pareja after six seasons with the club. The decision comes after the team's winless start to the 2026 MLS regular season, with three straight losses. Pareja had led Orlando City to six consecutive playoff appearances, including a U.S. Open Cup title in 2022 and an Eastern Conference final in 2024.

Why it matters

Pareja's departure marks the end of a successful era for Orlando City, as he helped establish the club as a consistent playoff contender in MLS. The team's ownership and management believe it's the right time to take the club in a new direction as they look to build on their recent success and compete for trophies.

The details

Orlando City announced that assistant coach Martin Perelman will take over as interim head coach, while Orlando City B head coach Manuel Goldberg will be appointed interim assistant coach. Goalkeeper coach Cesar Baena and interim strength and conditioning coach Sandro Graham will continue in their roles, but assistant coach Diego Torres will leave the team with Pareja.

  • On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Orlando City announced they had parted ways with head coach Oscar Pareja.
  • Pareja joined Orlando ahead of the 2020 MLS season and led the Lions to six consecutive playoff appearances.

The players

Oscar Pareja

The former head coach of Orlando City SC, who led the team to six straight playoff appearances and a U.S. Open Cup title in 2022.

Ricardo Moreira

The general manager and sporting director of Orlando City SC, who thanked Pareja for his contributions and said the club is looking to take the team in a new direction.

Mark Wilf

The owner and chairman of Orlando City SC, who praised Pareja's impact on the club and community.

Martin Perelman

The assistant coach who will take over as interim head coach of Orlando City.

Manuel Goldberg

The Orlando City B head coach who will be appointed interim assistant coach.

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What they’re saying

“I want to thank Oscar for the dedication, leadership and professionalism he brought to our club. He delivered one of the most significant moments in Orlando City's history with the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and helped establish the competitive foundation that has propelled us forward, highlighted by our active club-record run of six straight playoffs appearances, which is currently the longest streak in MLS.”

— Ricardo Moreira, General Manager and Sporting Director, Orlando City SC (wesh.com)

“Oscar's impact on our club and community will always be remembered. He helped elevate Orlando City on and off the field, guided us through milestones that reshaped our trajectory, and represented our crest with integrity. We are grateful for all he has given to the organization.”

— Mark Wilf, Owner & Chairman, Orlando City SC (wesh.com)

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the club's players, staff and supporters for the trust they've given me over these last several years. Together, we shared moments that will stay with me forever. While it is the right time for both me and the Club to move in new directions, I leave proud of the work we did and with deep appreciation for the people who made it possible. Orlando will always have a special place in my heart, and I wish the team nothing but success in the future.”

— Oscar Pareja (wesh.com)

What’s next

It's unclear what comes next for Orlando City, as the team is expected to not only return to the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year but to win silverware this year. Whether that will fall on interim head coach Martin Perelman or an outside hire to reach those objectives are also unclear.

The takeaway

Pareja's departure marks the end of a successful era for Orlando City, as he helped establish the club as a consistent playoff contender in MLS. The team's ownership and management believe it's the right time to take the club in a new direction as they look to build on their recent success and compete for trophies.