Nashville SC has announced a significant addition to its coaching staff, appointing Nigerian-American Michael Nsien as Assistant Head Coach.
The move comes as the Major League Soccer (MLS) side gears up for its first full season under head coach B.J. Callaghan.
Nsien, 43, is a seasoned coach with extensive experience in U.S. soccer.
He previously served as the head coach of the United States Under-19 men’s national team and guided the U.S. U-16 team from 2022 to 2023.
Official: Nashville SC add three new members to the technical staff.
Michael Nsien – Assistant
Danny Cepero – GK Coach
Dr. Robert Butler – Dir. High PerformanceFirst two have some USMYNT experience, while Dr. Butler comes from the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB).#EveryoneN pic.twitter.com/0x2ocBP5h8
— Valair (@valairshabilla) January 8, 2025
Notably, he successfully led the U.S. U-20 team to qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a crucial 1-0 victory over Guatemala.
Nsien also spent four years on the coaching staff of USL Championship side FC Tulsa (2018-2022) and had a playing stint with the Portland Timbers during their time in the USL.
Last year, Nsien applied to become the head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles.
However, former Nigerian international Finidi George was chosen for the role. Despite this, Nsien’s growing reputation in global soccer continues to earn him opportunities at the highest level.
Nsien will be joined by Danny Cepero, who has been named Goalkeeper Coach, and Robert Butler, who will serve as Director of High Performance.
Cepero, a former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper, also brings U.S. Men’s Youth National Team experience, having coached the U-17 squad from 2021 to 2023.
This appointment marks a new chapter for Nashville SC, which is undergoing a rebuild after missing the MLS playoffs for the first time in five seasons with a 9-16-9 record in 2024.
Photo credit Nashville X
Nsien and Cepero replace Kosuke Kimura and Matt Pickens, respectively, as the club refreshes its technical team.
With Callaghan, Nsien, Cepero, and John Bello—who joined the club in July 2024—Nashville SC’s coaching staff now boasts a strong connection to the U.S. national team programs.
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Callaghan previously served as an assistant coach under Gregg Berhalter with the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) from 2019 to 2024 and was interim head coach during the summer of 2023.
As the team prepares for the 2025 MLS season opener against the New England Revolution on February 22 at Geodis Park, Nsien’s appointment signals Nashville’s commitment to building a competitive and dynamic squad.
Preseason training begins this Saturday, with the team heading to Florida for a training camp.
Their first exhibition match is set for January 18 against the U.S. U-20 national team in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
