Sporting Kansas City has appointed Raphael Wicky as its fifth permanent head coach, a move announced on Monday.
Wicky, who is 48 years old, previously coached the Chicago Fire from 2020 to 2021 and led BSC Young Boys in Switzerland from 2022 to 2024. He has signed a contract that runs through the 2027-28 MLS season, with an option for the 2028-29 season.
He is the club’s first full-time coach since Peter Vermes, who left after 17 seasons on March 31. Kerry Zavagnin, the interim coach, completed a tough season where the team finished with the poorest record in the Western Conference (7-20-7, 28 points).
“We are excited to bring Raphael on board as the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City,” said president and general manager David Lee. “His experience and success at all levels of the game made him the top candidate during our search.
“He is a leader and a proven winner who will work hard to build strong relationships with our players and staff. Rapha’s teams are focused on attacking, full of energy, and play a possession-based game, which is what we aim to implement here in Kansas City.”
Wicky, who also led the United States U-17 team in 2019, finished with a 12-25-14 record while at the Fire.
“I am proud to be the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City,” Wicky stated. He played for Chivas USA in 2008, a former MLS team.
“I am eager to start working with the team and get to know everyone involved. In my conversations with David, we connected well and share similar views on culture and playing style.
“Sporting KC has always aimed for trophies, and I believe the club has everything needed to succeed—great ownership, excellent facilities, a strong academy, and a beautiful stadium filled with fantastic fans.”
This announcement comes just under seven weeks before Sporting KC kicks off the 2026 MLS season on February 21 against the San Jose Earthquakes.
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