McAuley previously served as Interim Head Coach at Minnesota United; Opened senior playing career at Manchester United
INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Jan. 8, 2024) – A proven leader at the top tier of U.S. soccer and abroad, Indy Eleven has today announced Sean McAuley as the fifth Head Coach in club history. McAuley comes to the Circle City having previously served as the Interim Head Coach, as well as an assistant, at MLS-side Minnesota United FC.
With more than 30 years of experience as a player and coaching stops at the professional and youth development levels, McAuley spent four seasons (2020-23) as an assistant in Minnesota before taking over at the helm during the 2023 season. The Sheffield, England, native also served as an assistant coach with the Portland Timbers (2012-18) and Orlando City (2018-20).
“We are extremely excited to welcome Sean and his family to Indy Eleven and the Circle City,” said Greg Stremlaw, President & CEO of Indy Eleven. “After an extensive search that produced an unparalleled number of talented candidates from around the world, including a pool from more than 25 countries, we believed Sean’s experience as both a coach and player at the highest levels of soccer in the United States and Europe made him the top choice to lead our club starting in 2024 and beyond.
“Sean’s proven ability to help lead championship-caliber teams, produce a culture of excellence and develop top players at the professional level will help us achieve our objectives on the field and make Indy Eleven a consistent force in the USL Championship.”
At Minnesota, McAuley helped the club to playoff appearances in each of his first three seasons, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2020.
The 2015 season saw McAuley help Portland hoist the MLS Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew and was also part of the 2014 and 2020 Western Conference Finalist squads as well as the 2014 and 2017 teams that topped the Western Conference regular season standings. No stranger to the Timbers’ locker room, McAuley played for the club in 2002 as part of the USL A League.
“I am delighted to take on the position of Head Coach at Indy Eleven,” said McAuley. “The organization has a great reputation and I believe we can achieve success together. I would like to thank Ersal [Ozdemir] and Greg [Stremlaw] for the opportunity, as well as everyone who has given me such a warm welcome.
“It’s clear that Indy Eleven has a loyal and passionate fan base and I am committed to giving our supporters a team to be proud of. I look forward to the new season and being part of a new era at Indy Eleven.”
McAuley’s coaching career began with Halifax Town (2002-05) before moving on to serve as Sheffield Wednesday’s Academy Manager (2005-12) and Wednesday’s Interim Head Coach (2006, 2009-10).
As a player, McAuley enjoyed a lengthy professional run, opening his 15-year senior career with Manchester United in 1990 and playing with clubs in the U.S., England and Scotland as well as the U21 Scottish National Team.
McAuley holds a US Soccer Pro License as well as a UEFA Pro License, the highest certifications in U.S. and European soccer. His education also includes BSc Hons Sports and Exercise Science as well as a certification in PGCE Teaching and Education.
The Boys in Blue have previously announced 10 returners for the 2024 season and have signed a pair of defenders in Danny Barbir (Oakland Roots SC) and Aedan Stanley (The Miami FC). Stay tuned to IndyEleven.com and Indy Eleven social channels for additional roster moves in the coming weeks.
Indy Eleven Roster as of 1-8-24
Goalkeepers (1): Yannik Oettl
Defenders (6): Danny Barbir, Younes Boudadi, Callum Chapman-Page, Adrian Diz Pe, Macauley King, Aedan Stanley
Midfielders (4): Jack Blake, Cam Lindley, Aodhan Quinn, Diego Sanchez
Forwards (1): Sebastian Guenzatti
Season Ticket Renewals and new Season Ticket Packages are on sale now for 2024, as well as deposits for groups and hospitality areas. For more information on tickets click here. For questions, please email tickets@indyeleven.com or give us a call at 317.685.1100.
