When you’ve got a good thing, keep it going.
Chattanooga FC is thrilled to announce that the club has extended Men’s Head Coach Rod Underwood’s contract. The new deal will run through the 2025 season.
“I am thankful for God, who has allowed this door to open," said Underwood. "My wife's support allows me to be involved in a sport I have done all my life. It is an honor and privilege to be trusted by this club and have the support of the city. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Currently, the club is undefeated in league play, amassing a 10-0-4 (W-L-D) record. CFC has scored a league leading 25 goals, while the defense is giving up a league low 5 goals all year.
“Coach Underwood has what it takes for Chattanooga FC to keep building for the future and get us a championship,” said Alton Byrd, CEO, Chattanooga FC. “His strength, poise, and class both on and off the pitch are the standard we are looking for, and I’m glad that we are able to continue our relationship with him. He is a huge asset to the club as well as the city.”
Over his two years with the club, Coach Underwood has earned a record of 28-12-5 (W-D-L) in all competitions. He has significantly raised the stature of the club nationally, earning Coach of the Year honors in his first season in Chattanooga.
Additionally, this year’s team includes the Golden Boot (top goal scorer), Golden Ball (League MVP) in Markus Naglestad. In the off-season, Underwood signed the 2022 Golden Glove (top goalkeeper) to ensure the best of the best are playing in Chattanooga.
Underwood's coaching resume includes stints as an assistant with Portland Timbers (MLS) and head coaching roles with Cleveland City (USL), North East Stars (Jamaica), Mount Aureol (Sierra Leone), Montego Bay FC (Jamaica) where he led his team to CONCACAF Championship qualification.
Underwood has won two USL Pro Championships; one as an assistant coach with Sacramento Republic FC and one as a head coach with Albuquerque Geckos.
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.
