Portland Thorns Name Mike Norris New Head Coach, Former Coach Banned From NWSL Sidelines
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Thorns Monday promoted assistant coach Mike Norris to the head coaching position.
He’s the 5th head coach in club history and replaces Rhian Wilkinson, who resigned after leading the Thorns to a championship.
Before coming to Portland last year, Norris worked for Canada’s National Team.
Meanwhile, the National Women’s Soccer League has permanently banned four coaches and announced disciplinary action against several other individuals and teams in response to an investigation into alleged abuse and misconduct.
Former Thorns coach Paul Riley, former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames, former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke and former Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly can’t coach in the NWSL again.
The Thorns have also been fined $1 million for the club’s role in the allegations.
