TULSA, Okla. – FC Tulsa announced on Wednesday it had promoted Luke Spencer to become the club’s new Head Coach entering the 2025 USL Championship season.

Mario Sanchez, who previously led the club as both Head Coach and Technical Director, will now concentrate exclusively on his role as Technical Director, continuing to shape the club’s long-term vision and player development strategy.

Spencer joined Sanchez as an assistant coach with FC Tulsa this past January having served as the Director of Louisville City’s Boys Academy. The 33-year-old had previously served as an interim Head Coach of Louisville City while still a player alongside then-teammates Paolo DelPiccolo and George Davis IV, during which time the side went 4-1-1 before the appointment of John Hackworth as LouCity Head Coach.

That fall, Spencer earned MVP honors in the 2018 USL Championship Final as he scored the game-winning goal in the side’s 1-0 victory against Phoenix Rising FC for the second league title in LouCity’s history.

“From the beginning, we knew Luke had something special,” said FC Tulsa Sporting Director and General Manager Alex Menta. “His dedication to the club and commitment to growth have been evident every step of the way. Watching him evolve from an exceptional player into a coach who commands respect and instills confidence has been inspiring.

“FC Tulsa is proud to have him leading the charge.”

Spencer’s work alongside Sanchez in the LouCity Academy since his retirement from playing has seen numerous young players join the club’s First Team as full-time professionals. Among those are former USL Championship Young Player of the Year finalist Joshua Wynder and 2024 USL Championship All-League Second Team selection Elijah Wynder as well as players including Carlos Moguel Jr. and Owen Damm, who competed consistently on loan from LouCity with Tulsa a season ago.

Spencer is now set to take the helm in the professional ranks for the first time after working alongside Sanchez throughout the past season.

“I am honored to step into this new opportunity as head coach for this team,” said Spencer. “I want to thank the owners and club leadership for their trust and confidence in me. My focus is firmly on building upon the strengths of our squad and cultivating a winning mindset from day one.

“We have a strong core of talented players returning and some exciting new signings already lined up for next season. I am eager to get started, continuing the hard work and dedication that defines our team, and I am committed to delivering the success our fans and community deserve. Though the season just ended, preparations are already underway to make the next one our best yet.”