Phoenix Rising hire from within, name assistant Danny Stone as new head coach
Following the departure of coach Juan Guerra, who recently left to be an assistant coach with Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo, Phoenix Rising FC has found a replacement from within. Danny Stone, an assistant coach, was named head coach by the club on Thursday.
“After a thorough and thoughtful search, we are confident that Danny is the right leader to guide our team into the next chapter of success,” Phoenix Rising FC President Bobby Dulle said in a statement. “He has been an integral part of our organization over the years, both with our youth club and the first team, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, tactical expertise and the ability to do what is necessary at any given moment to help the club succeed on and off the field.”
“Danny has a clear understanding of our club’s vision and we are confident his leadership will propel our team to new heights,” Dulle said. “We look forward to witnessing the continued growth of Phoenix Rising under his guidance.”
Stone has been with the club as an assistant since March 2021. He got his start in soccer by working with the Colorado Rapids of MLS back in 2010, where he established the team’s franchise academy structure, before moving on to work with the USL club Oklahoma Energy FC.
In Stone’s first season with Rising FC as an assistant, he helped Phoenix earn the best record in the Western Conference (20-5-7). Rising FC has amassed a record of 48-31-26 in league play in the three seasons Stone served as an assistant coach, culminating in the club’s first USL Championship title and third Western Conference championship in November.
“What we were able to achieve together as a group in 2023 was incredible,” Stone said in a statement. “I am delighted to have been part of that journey and feel we have put in place a strong foundation to build upon in 2024. The staff and players together are all looking forward to the challenge that the new season will bring.”
Guerra’s departure was the latest in what has been a roller coaster offseason for Rising FC, as several players have departed from last year’s title-winning squad.
Midfielder Emil Cuello and defenders Alejandro Fuenmayor and Mo Traore have re-signed. The contracts of forwards Danny Trejo and Dariusz Formella and goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky have expired. The loan period for starting goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo also expired. The club declined to renew the contracts of defenders Henry Uzochukwu, Niall Dunn and midfielder Carlos Anguiano. Defender Darnell King is transitioning from being a captain to a coaching role this season. Midfielder Carlos Harvey is starting to get attention from MLS clubs, with Minnesota United FC reportedly expressing interest.
But Stone has been with the club for a while now, so there’s familiarity at the top of the club despite a turbulent few months.
For Stone, the moment is even more special considering his ties to the area. Stone is originally from Liverpool, England, but moved to Phoenix as a teenager. He attended Tempe Corona del Sol High School in 1997. Stone returned to England where he played professionally as a defender for Blackburn Rovers FC and Notts County FC.
“I’m very proud to be given the opportunity to manage this organization,” Stone said. “I have a long history with Phoenix as a city. I cannot wait to reconnect with the community and interact with Rising fans. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with this team. I want our fans to know we will all be working hard to continue to bring success to Phoenix.”
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Rising hire assistant Danny Stone as new head coach
