Chattanooga Football Club has announced an expansion of its men's team coaching staff with the addition of Omar Badran as assistant coach.
After a seven-year professional playing career in England, Norway, Italy and Saudi Arabia, Badran became a coach in the U.S. with assistant coach roles at UNC Charlotte, Stumptown AC, and most recently with Loudoun United in the USL Championship.
"I have known Omar for a few years," said CFC Sporting Director and Men's Head Coach Rod Underwood. "Omar brings experience as a former professional player as a coach and leader. He has also worked outside of the soccer industry which is important for us. We are excited having him as we expand and continue to grow our staff."
The Saudi received his undergraduate degree in Coaching and Sports Development in 2013. He went on to earn his Masters in Sports Management in 2018 and his second Masters in Executive Coaching in 2022. Badran earned his USSF B license in 2020.
"It means the world to me to have an organization like Chattanooga FC invest in me," said Badran. "I want to help contribute a sense of belonging, higher standards, and stronger relationships. I believe Chattanooga FC uses sport to help us become the best version of ourselves, and I'm 100% aligned with the club's values."
Badran joined the club earlier this month and has already noticed the CFC difference in his first game on Saturday, a 5-0 win in front of the home crowd at Finley Stadium.
"I want people to feel involved and valued by the club, and most importantly I want the community to know that they contributes immensely to the team's success," added Badran.
Badran joins assistant coach Chris Nugent on staff as well as goalkeeper coach Jordan Mattheiss and performance analyst Juan Hernandez to round out the technical staff.
The club recently announced a contract extension for Underwood that runs at least through 2025. Chattanooga FC is currently unbeaten in league play with a record of 11-4-0 (W-D-L). It has outscored opponents 30-5 this year. That goal difference is more than four times greater than the next closest team.
About Chattanooga Football Club
Chattanooga Football Club was founded in 2009. The CFC Men's team competes in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), which is in the third division of professional soccer. The CFC Women's team is a summer amateur team that competes in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Chattanooga Football Club became the first soccer club to offer true ownership to the fans in 2019 with 3,200+ investors from Chattanooga, all 50 states, and 31 countries. CFC plays all home games in Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.
