Report: Timbers set to hire Marti Cifuentes as head coach

Field Level Media|published: Sun 19th July, 11:52 2026

Apr 3, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; A view of the Portland Timbers logo before the game against the LA Galaxy at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images

Marti Cifuentes, who has more than a decade of coaching experience in Europe, will take over as head coach of the Portland Timbers, The Athletic reported.

Cifuentes, 44, will replace interim coach Jack Cassidy, who has held that role since the Timbers fired Phil Neville in May. Following its 5-1 win over the rival Seattle Sounders on Thursday, Portland (5-8-2, 17 points) is 11th in the Western Conference, three points out of a playoff spot with 19 matches remaining.

A native of Barcelona, Spain, Cifuentes most recently coached Leicester City of the EFL, now relegated to EFL League One, and also has been at the helm of Queens Park Rangers and Hammarby, among other clubs.

Among several candidates from the United States and abroad, former Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff and Panama head coach Thomas Christensen were the other finalists for the Timbers' position, per the report, issued Saturday night.

The Athletic previously reported that former Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin, who will take over as Austin head coach next season, had engaged in talks with Portland about its opening.

--Field Level Media

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