In a significant development for Major League Soccer (MLS), FC Dallas has appointed Eric Quill as its new head coach. This announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment for the club as it looks to rebuild after parting ways with Nico Estevez earlier in June. Quill, who most recently managed New Mexico United, brings with him a wealth of experience and a track record of success that has made him a compelling choice for the role. His previous experience with FC Dallas, particularly overseeing the reserve team North Texas SC, makes this appointment feel like a homecoming.
Quill expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I’m extremely excited and truly honored to get the opportunity to lead FC Dallas into the 2025 season and beyond.” His acknowledgment of the club’s rich history and strong commitment to player development highlights his alignment with the team’s values, suggesting that he understands the cultural and operational fabric of FC Dallas.
Quill’s credentials are hard to ignore. He enjoyed immense success during his tenure at North Texas SC, securing the inaugural USL League One Championship in 2019 and being named Coach of the Year. His ability to cultivate young talent during this time, notably through players like Ricardo Pepi and Tanner Tessmann, underscores his prowess in development—a key strategic priority for FC Dallas.
The endorsement from FC Dallas Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt further solidifies Quill’s standing as a championship-caliber coach. Hunt’s praise for Quill’s extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and national levels speaks to the depth of knowledge he brings to the table. This strategic hiring reflects the team’s desire to not only bring in a skilled tactician but also someone who embodies the club’s ethos and aspirations.
Before his appointment at FC Dallas, Quill made headlines with New Mexico United, a club he led to the Western Conference title, posting an impressive record of 18-5-11. His leadership in guiding the team to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup further illustrates his capabilities as a coach who can deliver results on multiple fronts. The alignment of Quill’s coaching philosophy with FC Dallas’ commitment to attacking soccer and player development is expected to resonate well within the existing team structure.
Chief Soccer Officer André Zanotta also emphasized how Quill’s understanding of the FC Dallas ecosystem will help bolster the club’s ambitions. His innovative approach combined with a steadfast focus on maximizing player potential demonstrates a strategic fit for the future direction of the franchise. This kind of clarity and alignment in vision can serve as a catalyst for positive change within the club.
Eric Quill’s journey in soccer began in 1997 when he joined the MLS with the Tampa Bay Mutiny. His professional career, spanning nearly a decade, included stints with various teams such as the Kansas City Wizards and the Dallas Burn, allowing him to accumulate valuable experience on the pitch. Quill’s transition from player to coach reflects a deep passion for the game, and his time in the U.S. national team setup at the U-16 and U-20 levels showcases his early engagement with the sport at a competitive level.
Retiring in 2005, Quill seamlessly shifted to coaching, where he continued to make an impact in the sport. His pathways through various coaching roles, including his stint as an assistant with Columbus Crew, have enriched his perspective and approach.
As FC Dallas looks forward to the 2025 season, Eric Quill’s appointment is expected to usher in a new era filled with promise. With a clear vision for player development and competitive excellence, his hiring signals to the fans and players alike that the club is serious about reclaiming its place among the elite in MLS. It remains to be seen how his strategies will unfold, but it is clear that Quill is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and lead FC Dallas into a promising future.