FC Tucson has found its long-term solution on the coaching bench right at home.
FC Tucson announced Thursday that Jon Pearlman, who has coached the team on an interim basis since taking over mid-season, will be the Head Coach for the remainder of the 2021 season and for 2022. Pearlman was one of the club's co-founders in 2011 and has been a key figure in the Tucson soccer community for more than two decades.
"Jon has been integral in the development and success of FC Tucson," said Amanda Powers, president of FC Tucson. "His ability to transition this season from the front office to the field and guide our team back into championship contention is a testament to his coaching acumen, and his skill in connecting with players and helping them realize their potential.
"We look forward to finishing this season on a high note and having Jon guide this club into the 2022 USL League One season."
After Pearlman stepped into the interim head coach road in July, Powers engaged in discussions with USL Sporting Director Mark Cartwright, team owner Brett Johnson and a number of very strong coaching candidates.
The ability to come to a club that was clearly on an upward trajectory, both on and off the field, made the position very attractive.
In the end, though, what Pearlman brought to the table was unmatched.
He is 7-5-3 this season since taking over in July, leading the team from 11th in USL League One into a potential playoff spot.
FC Tucson has found its long-term solution on the coaching bench right at home.
FC Tucson announced Thursday that Jon Pearlman, who has coached the team on an interim basis since taking over mid-season, will be the Head Coach for the remainder of the 2021 season and for 2022. Pearlman was one of the club’s co-founders in 2011 and has been a key figure in the Tucson soccer community for more than two decades.
“Jon has been integral in the development and success of FC Tucson,” said Amanda Powers, president of FC Tucson. “His ability to transition this season from the front office to the field and guide our team back into championship contention is a testament to his coaching acumen, and his skill in connecting with players and helping them realize their potential.
“We look forward to finishing this season on a high note and having Jon guide this club into the 2022 USL League One season.”
After Pearlman stepped into the interim head coach road in July, Powers engaged in discussions with USL Sporting Director Mark Cartwright, team owner Brett Johnson and a number of very strong coaching candidates.
The ability to come to a club that was clearly on an upward trajectory, both on and off the field, made the position very attractive.
In the end, though, what Pearlman brought to the table was unmatched.
He is 7-5-3 this season since taking over in July, leading the team from 11th in USL League One into a potential playoff spot.
Pearlman, who has his USSF "A" License and will continue to serve as the team's Technical Director, has more than 25 years of coaching experience. That includes 23 in Tucson, and his appointment for 2022 reaffirms the club's commitment to the community.
"I can't express enough what an honor it is and how much it means to me personally, as well as to the people who have worked with me in my career and to my family, to have this opportunity," said Pearlman. "After returning to the field and coaching, I believe the greatest contribution I can make to FC Tucson moving forward is developing our technical side and building on the recent success we have had with our first team."
"Having the opportunity to push for the playoffs and the USL League One Cup this year, and moving forward for this city, is something I am completely committed to."
Pearlman was previously head coach of FC Tucson in 2017, going 9-2-3. He also coached OKC Energy U23 in 2018, and returned to FC Tucson in 2019 as Director of Soccer Operations.
FC Tucson will host North Carolina FC on Wednesday, Oct. 13, with Fuerza Frontline Workers Night presented by the City of Tucson, and South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, Oct. 16.
Pearlman, who has his USSF “A” License and will continue to serve as the team’s Technical Director, has more than 25 years of coaching experience. That includes 23 in Tucson, and his appointment for 2022 reaffirms the club’s commitment to the community.
“I can’t express enough what an honor it is and how much it means to me personally, as well as to the people who have worked with me in my career and to my family, to have this opportunity,” said Pearlman. “After returning to the field and coaching, I believe the greatest contribution I can make to FC Tucson moving forward is developing our technical side and building on the recent success we have had with our first team.”
“Having the opportunity to push for the playoffs and the USL League One Cup this year, and moving forward for this city, is something I am completely committed to.”
Pearlman was previously head coach of FC Tucson in 2017, going 9-2-3. He also coached OKC Energy U23 in 2018, and returned to FC Tucson in 2019 as Director of Soccer Operations.
FC Tucson will host North Carolina FC on Wednesday, Oct. 13, with Fuerza Frontline Workers Night presented by the City of Tucson, and South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, Oct. 16.
