Khano Smith appointed head coach of Rhode Island FC

Some of you know that Legion assistant coach Khano Smith recently obtained his USSF Pro coaching license (only two USL coaches did that in 2022, the other being new San Diego Loyal head coach Nate Miller). Thus, you will not be surprised that he now has his chance to show his chops as a head coach. 

Today it was announced that he will head up the coaching staff of the new team in Pawtucket, Rhode Island FC, that will begin play in the USL Championship next year. This will be a homecoming of sorts for Khano, as the city is just 16 miles from Foxborough, MA, where he played for the New England Revolution from 2005-2008 and again in 2010. In that first stint he played alongside Michael Parkhurst, most recently captain of Atlanta United, who is himself a Providence, RI native and, more importantly, is a part-owner of the new team.

Prior to the assistant position at the Legion, Khano had two prior coaching jobs, both assistant positions, first at Southern New Hampshire University in 2015 and then at the Orlando Pride of the NWSL for 3 years.

Obviously he will be missed here in Birmingham, but the opportunity is thoroughly deserved. He’ll be around for a month yet, so let’s give him a great send-off!