UI Women's Soccer Coach Departs for Michigan

Dave Dilanni leaves Iowa program after 12 seasons to take over Wolverines

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:07pm

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University of Iowa head women's soccer coach Dave Dilanni is leaving the program to take the head coaching job at the University of Michigan. Dilanni, who has 346 career wins and a .749 winning percentage, is the fourth head coach in the 32-year history of the Michigan women's soccer program.

Why it matters

Dilanni's departure is a significant loss for the Iowa women's soccer program, which he has led to consistent success over the past 12 seasons. His move to Michigan strengthens a Big Ten rival and creates an opening for the Hawkeyes to find a new leader to continue the team's momentum.

The details

Michigan Director of Athletics Warde Manuel announced the hiring of Dilanni on Tuesday. In the release, Dilanni said he and his family are excited to be "coming home" to Michigan, where they have spent much of their time raising their children. Dilanni is the 19th-winningest active women's soccer head coach in the country.

  • On January 28, 2026, the University of Michigan announced Dilanni as their new women's soccer head coach.

The players

Dave Dilanni

The former head coach of the University of Iowa women's soccer team, who is leaving to take the same position at the University of Michigan.

Warde Manuel

The Director of Athletics at the University of Michigan, who announced the hiring of Dilanni as the new head coach of the Michigan women's soccer program.

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What they’re saying

“Its been a great 12 years. Once a Hawkeye, Always a Hawkeye.”

— Dave Dilanni, Former University of Iowa Women's Soccer Head Coach

What’s next

The University of Iowa will now begin a search for a new head coach to lead their women's soccer program.

The takeaway

Dilanni's departure is a significant loss for the Iowa women's soccer program, which he built into a consistent winner over the past 12 seasons. His move to Michigan strengthens a Big Ten rival and creates an opportunity for the Hawkeyes to find a new leader to continue the team's momentum.