Steven Brooks and Austin Kaut Reunite to Lead Chaos in 2026

Veteran leadership and coaching vision blend for championship success

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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After four years of pursuing head coaching opportunities, Steven Brooks has finally been entrusted to lead the Carolina Chaos for the 2026 Championship Series. Brooks' former Florida Launch teammate, veteran goalie Austin Kaut, has reunited with him, eager to collaborate for the upcoming campaign. The duo's shared understanding of the game and leadership philosophy remains intrinsic as they look to guide the Chaos' young core to success.

Why it matters

Brooks and Kaut's reunion represents a blending of coaching vision and veteran leadership that could propel the Carolina Chaos to new heights in the 2026 season. Their partnership, forged during their time with the Florida Launch, has the potential to create a strong team culture and bring out the best in the Chaos' talented roster.

The details

Brooks, a seasoned veteran, will be transitioning into his first head coaching role, while Kaut, a 13-year professional, stands as a key leader among the Chaos' young core. Brooks' focus on understanding his players deeply and creating a relaxed yet competitive atmosphere is poised to resonate well with the team. Kaut, who once benefited from Brooks' mentorship, now embraces the coaching style he experienced as a young player.

  • Brooks and Kaut were teammates on the Florida Launch between 2015 and 2018.
  • Brooks is set to lead the Carolina Chaos in the 2026 Championship Series.

The players

Steven Brooks

A veteran lacrosse player with 18 years of professional experience, including two championship wins as a player with the Chesapeake Bayhawks in 2012 and 2013. He has also served as an offensive coordinator for the New York Atlas, guiding them to their first Premier Lacrosse League title.

Austin Kaut

A 13-year professional lacrosse player who is preparing for his 13th season. Kaut is a key leader among the young core of Chaos players and is currently serving as an experienced backup to Blaze Riorden.

Spencer Ford

The general manager of the Carolina Chaos who decided to give Brooks his first shot as a head coach.

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What they’re saying

“He taught me a lot of everything I needed to know about the league and travel and everything. So he was basically 'Daddy Brooks.' He was Dad to most of us on the team. I was a young 21-year-old kid, and he was in his late 20s or early 30s. He really guided us through the process and was always looking out for the younger guys.”

— Austin Kaut, Goalie, Carolina Chaos (theconwaybulletin.com)

“I have a feeling that [Brooks' leadership] translates over perfectly as being a head coach and to guiding us down the right path for the 2026 season. He's going to have, still, the head coach vibe of wanting to get the best out of you, but is going to be your friend at the same time, and it'll bring more out of the players, rather than just have a coach that's going to pick and nitpick and scream and yell.”

— Austin Kaut, Goalie, Carolina Chaos (theconwaybulletin.com)

“My first order of business is just to understand who these players are and their strengths. My offensive philosophy has always been as a player-style coach, and my first philosophy is always building a relationship with the player. Who they are. What are they like? How do they like to be coached? What makes them go? What puts a red flag up and makes them grip their stick too tight?”

— Steven Brooks, Head Coach, Carolina Chaos (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The Carolina Chaos will look to build momentum and chemistry during the offseason as they prepare for the 2026 Championship Series, with Brooks and Kaut leading the way.

The takeaway

The reunion of Steven Brooks and Austin Kaut represents a unique blend of coaching vision and veteran leadership that could propel the Carolina Chaos to new heights in the 2026 season. Their shared understanding of the game and commitment to fostering a strong team culture could be the key to the Chaos' success.