Brad Guzan Takes Front Office Role with Atlanta United

Former goalkeeper named club ambassador and sporting advisor

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:15am

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Brad Guzan, who retired last year as Atlanta United's all-time leader in appearances, wins, saves and shutouts, was named the team's club ambassador and sporting advisor on Thursday. In his new role, Guzan will support all areas of soccer operations while also working in the team's community efforts. Guzan described the opportunity as a 'learning role' where he can explore the front office side of the organization.

Why it matters

Guzan's transition from star player to front office executive is a common path for many retired athletes looking to stay involved in the sport they love. His new role will allow him to gain valuable experience in the business side of running a professional sports franchise, which could lead to future opportunities in team management or coaching.

The details

In his new role on Atlanta United's staff, Guzan will report directly to chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson. Guzan said he is excited to 'go through all the different departments of the other side of the building and see how it all works behind the scenes.' He added that he has been preparing for a front office career the last two years by earning a master's degree from the Global Institute of Sport.

  • Guzan retired after last season as Atlanta United's all-time leader in appearances, wins, saves and shutouts.
  • Guzan was named the team's club ambassador and sporting advisor on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Brad Guzan

Former goalkeeper who retired last year as Atlanta United's all-time leader in appearances, wins, saves and shutouts. He has been named the team's club ambassador and sporting advisor.

Chris Henderson

Atlanta United's chief soccer officer and sporting director, who Guzan will report to in his new role.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to be fortunate enough to be able to kind of go through all the different departments of the other side of the building and see how it all works behind the scenes. And so for me, that part's really intriguing and really interesting that as a player, you normally don't get to see. And so I'm excited of taking on all that information and again, seeing if this is something that I want to do long-term, if you're not going to be able to be on the field and be a part of the game in that aspect, what's the next best way? For me this is really something that excites me.”

— Brad Guzan (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Guzan said he would 'never say never' to the possibility of coaching in the future, but for now he is focused on exploring the front office side of the organization.

The takeaway

Guzan's transition from star player to front office executive demonstrates the common path many retired athletes take to stay involved in the sport they love. His new role will provide valuable experience in the business side of running a professional sports franchise, which could open up future opportunities in team management or coaching.