Philadelphia Union Head of Recruitment Operations Brendan Burke today has accepted an offer to become the next head coach of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
The first head coach of the Union organization’s USL Championship club, Bethlehem Steel FC, which later became Philadelphia Union II, Burke took on multiple vital roles in the Union organization for almost a decade. Prior to becoming Steel FC’s head coach, Burke served as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Union first team from 2011 through 2014. He was also heavily involved in all levels of the U.S. Soccer pyramid including serving as the head coach of the Union’s PDL affiliate Reading United from 2008 through 2013, where he maintained an exceptional 71-18-19 record. Burke also had plenty of influence with then USL-affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders, in addition to his first team duties with the Union.
During his tenure as a head coach in the USL Championship with Steel FC, Burke guided the club to back-to-back USL Cup Playoff appearances which included the club’s first postseason victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2018 after a 14-win season. That year the club scored 58 goals as Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Anthony Fontana, Matt Real, Olivier Mbaizo, and Cory Burke all saw significant playing time. Burke’s all-time record in the USL Championship is 40-59-34.
In line with the Union’s club emphasis on development and opportunity, Burke provided minutes to 32 players that went on to earn time with the Philadelphia Union first team in MLS during his four-year run with Bethlehem Steel FC. Since taking over as the club’s Head of Recruitment Operations, Burke has continued to play a key role in identifying, evaluating, and developing talent.
