Retired Goalkeeper Brad Guzan Joins Atlanta United's Front Office

Guzan will serve as club ambassador and sporting advisor after 21-year playing career

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former U.S. national team goalkeeper Brad Guzan has joined the Atlanta United front office, the club announced on Thursday. Guzan, who retired in October after a 21-year professional career, has been named as Atlanta United's club ambassador and sporting advisor. He'll report directly to Atlanta's chief soccer officer, Chris Henderson.

Why it matters

Guzan was a key part of Atlanta United's 2018 MLS Cup championship team and is a respected figure in the club's history. His transition to the front office represents an opportunity for the club to leverage his experience and connections as they look to return to the top of MLS after a difficult stretch.

The details

In his new role, Guzan will be involved in player recruitment, scouting, data and analytics, and youth development. He'll also remain heavily involved in the Atlanta community through his charitable work. Guzan acknowledged that the transition from the field to the front office will involve a learning curve, as he'll have to adjust to 'office politics and Outlook calendar invites' rather than just 'yelling at someone who's standing in front of you'.

  • Guzan retired in October 2025 after a 21-year professional career.
  • Guzan was named Atlanta United's club ambassador and sporting advisor on January 29, 2026.

The players

Brad Guzan

A 41-year-old former U.S. national team goalkeeper who spent the last part of his 21-year professional career with Atlanta United, helping the club win their first MLS Cup title in 2018.

Chris Henderson

The chief soccer officer of Atlanta United.

Tata Martino

The former Atlanta United head coach who led the team to their 2018 MLS Cup championship and has returned to the club after a previous stint.

Ronny Deila

The former Atlanta United manager who was dismissed in October.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm learning the ropes and moving forward, I think I certainly can add value to these different areas.”

— Brad Guzan (nytimes.com)

“I think when you look at Atlanta United, we're built off of our supporters, we're built off of our fans and the supporters who have made this club what it is. And so now I'll be able to get out and spend more time with them, spend more time in the community and continue to increase what Atlanta United is, who we are as a club across not only Atlanta, but Georgia and ultimately the world.”

— Brad Guzan (nytimes.com)

“There's a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that (reporters) don't see, folks that you guys don't obviously talk to that make a football club run and successful and not just on the field. And so being able to work with people in different departments, see how things are done on their side and learn a bit of the business side of things, the sporting side of things, and see how it all comes together to ultimately have a product of a professional football club? I think seeing different areas of the club through other people's eyes, I think, is hugely important.”

— Brad Guzan (nytimes.com)

What’s next

Guzan will begin his new role immediately, working closely with Atlanta United's chief soccer officer Chris Henderson and the rest of the front office to help the club return to the top of MLS.

The takeaway

Guzan's transition from the field to the front office represents an opportunity for Atlanta United to leverage his deep knowledge of the club and his connections within the soccer community as they look to rebuild after a difficult stretch. His willingness to learn the business side of the sport could provide valuable insights as the club charts a path forward.