OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland Roots SC announced on Tuesday it had appointed Gavin Glinton has been appointed as the club’s full-time Head Coach ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season following his success as Roots’ interim Head Coach over the past campaign.

“Gavin stepped in midseason and provided the stability and vision we needed to secure a return to the playoffs,” said Oakland Roots SC President Lindsay Barenz. “Qualifying for the playoffs for a third year out of our four years in the USL Championship, including big wins over some of the league’s top teams, showcased Gavin’s leadership. With a full preseason as Head Coach, we’re confident Gavin will drive the team to new heights at the Oakland Coliseum in 2025.”

Glinton originally joined Oakland Roots as the First Assistant Coach at the close of 2022, helping the Club reach the playoffs that season. Since stepping into the interim Head Coach role, he has led the team to a collection of notable victories, including 1-0 wins against both Louisville City FC and New Mexico United, which finished as the top seets in the Eastern and Western Conferences in the 2024 campaign, and Oakland’s first away win against NorCal rival Sacramento Republic FC.

Overall, the 2024 season saw Roots achieve a new club record with 13 wins, setting the foundation for future success.

“Growing up in the East Bay, it’s an honor to be Head Coach for what I consider my hometown Club,” said Glinton. “While 2024 didn’t end the way we envisioned, we've made big strides in creating the foundation and culture that will be necessary for long term success. With a full offseason and preseason ahead, I’m confident that 2025 will see us reach new milestones. We’ll come back stronger and ready to make an impact upon our return to Oakland.”

Glinton brings experience at some of the highest levels as a player, including winning an MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield double with LA Galaxy in 2002 and representing his country of Turks and Caicos at the senior international level. As a coach, the 45-year-old has taken part in coaching education at the most prestigious European clubs having studied at Barcelona in Spain, Ajax in Holland, Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany as well as in Argentina and South America among many others. Before joining Oakland, Glinton also served as the first assistant coach for fellow USL Championship side New Mexico United.

 “Gavin’s experiences across MLS, USL, and international football as both a player and coach have uniquely prepared him to lead our Club into this next chapter,” said Oakland Roots VP of Soccer, Eric Yamamoto. “His deep connections to the East Bay and Northern California make him an ideal fit to bring out the best in our players and staff as we continue to build something special.”

Additional details on Roots’ 2025 roster and technical staff will be shared in the coming weeks as the club prepares for an exciting season at the Oakland Coliseum.