MLS Next Pro Shake-Up: Tacoma Defiance Adds Paulo Nagamura and João Paulo to Coaching Staff
Date Published
Former Houston Dynamo head coach Paulo Nagamura is back in the professional ranks, taking the reins of Tacoma Defiance, Seattle Sounders FC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. The move marks a new chapter in Nagamura’s coaching career, one Houston soccer fans will recognize due to his previous time at the helm of the Dynamo in 2022.
Nagamura steps in with a strong résumé, including years developing young players in the Sporting Kansas City system and a hands-on understanding of MLS club expectations. Joining him on the staff is longtime Sounders veteran João Paulo, who transitions from player to coach after becoming one of Seattle’s most influential midfielders.
Why This Move Matters
While the hiring doesn’t directly impact Houston, it shifts the balance of coaching talent across MLS NEXT Pro, a league designed to shape future MLS contributors. Nagamura’s return to coaching is noteworthy for Dynamo fans, as his brief tenure in Houston placed him close to several players who now anchor the squad’s depth chart.
His experience climbing the coaching ladder and helping young prospects transition to MLS competition could influence Seattle’s player development pipeline—something Houston Dynamo 2 competes with season after season. Meanwhile, João Paulo’s transition into coaching brings leadership and tactical awareness to a young roster competing for future MLS roles.
What’s Next
Tacoma Defiance enters the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season with renewed energy and experienced leadership. For Houston fans tracking league trends, this move reinforces the growing emphasis on technical development and former MLS players stepping into coaching roles. These shifts can impact competitive balance, loan decisions, and inter-league player movement.
This article is a summary of reporting by MLSNEXTPro.com. Read the full story here.