Phil Neville has left his role as head coach of the Portland Timbers after the club announced a mutual parting of ways. The decision follows a 3-1 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes, which left the team 13th in the MLS Western Conference and out of playoff contention.
Neville, who joined the Timbers in 2024, led the team to the playoffs in his first two seasons, but they were eliminated in the opening round and first round respectively. This season, results fell short of expectations, prompting the departure.
Timbers owner Merritt Paulson praised Neville's leadership and positivity, stating: 'In my nearly two decades of owning and operating the Portland Timbers, there are very few people I have enjoyed working with more than Phil Neville.'
Neville acknowledged the club's high standards, saying: 'I realize we are in a results business, and the results haven’t been to the expectation of this football club.' He thanked the players, staff, and fans, particularly the Timbers Army, for their support.
This was Neville's second MLS head coaching job; he previously managed Inter Miami from 2021 to 2023 before Lionel Messi's arrival transformed the club. He also led the England women's team to the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
