HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic has named New England native Brendan Burke as Head Coach and General Manager. Burke comes to Hartford with eight years of USL Championship head coaching experience with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Philadelphia Union II (formerly Bethlehem Steel FC) as well as MLS assistant coaching positions with Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union.

“I have known Brendan Burke for a long time from our days together at Philadelphia Union and hold his soccer IQ, work ethic, and competitiveness in the highest regard,” said Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “We have a lot of work to do to deliver a team that will compete for the playoffs and championships, and there is no better coach for the job than Brendan.”

Born in Massachusetts, Burke spent two seasons as Head Coach of the Switchbacks, and added the role of General Manager for the 2022 campaign before being signed as Assistant Coach of MLS’ Houston Dynamo. In his time in Colorado Springs, Burke took over a two-win club in 2020 leading a resurgence that saw his club earn two trips to the USL Championship playoffs, a first ever trip to the Western Conference Finals, and a 30-23-13 overall record. Burke also earned USL Championship Coach of the Month honors in April of 2022 and was nominated as a finalist for the league’s Coach of the Year award in 2021.

“I am excited to be named the Head Coach of Hartford Athletic. I want to thank Bruce Mandell and the entire ownership group, Nick Sakiewicz, and the whole Hartford Athletic organization for entrusting me with this opportunity,” Burke said. “I am determined to bring this club to another level and quickly. Trinity Health Stadium and the Hartford Athletic fans have already created a great environment and with the right support, we can make it a successful and intimidating one. As a New England native, it means so much to me to return home to lead this club.”

In his short time with the Houston Dynamo, Burke joined a staff that delivered a U.S. Open Cup victory in 2023, a 4th place regular season finish in MLS’ Western Conference and a Western Conference finals appearance. He began his career with the Philadelphia Union organization, coaching at every level from the academy up to the first team in his 10 years with the club.

Ray Reid will take on a new role with the club as Advisor to the CEO and Ownership. Reid will advise on matters including, but not limited to, first team operations, academy development, and fundraising.