Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson leaves for conference rival Atlanta United

Inter Miami will have another big change in leadership heading into the 2025 season. Sporting Director Chris Henderson left to join conference rival Atlanta United, which announced the hiring on Monday.

Henderson, one of the most respected MLS executives, heads to the team that knocked Miami out of the 2024 playoffs in the first round. He will be reunited with Atlanta United president and CEO Garth Lagerwey, with whom he enjoyed great success when they worked together at the Seattle Sounders front office from 2015-21. During that stretch Seattle won two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield and four U.S. Open Cups.

Henderson and Lagerwey both played for the Miami Fusion, the first South Florida MLS team, which folded after the 2001 season. Lagerwey played goalkeeper for Miami in 1999-2000 and Henderson played forward in 2001.

The move had been rumored since June, when Inter Miami hired former FC Barcelona executive Raul Sanllehi to be President of Soccer Operations. Henderson’s title was Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, and it was a bit unclear how their roles would mesh.

At the time, Sanllehi said he had a good relationship with Henderson and great respect for the work he does and was looking forward to working alongside him. He added that Henderson would remain entrenched in the sports side of the club while Sanllehi focused on the overall management of the club.

But in recent months, it was Sanllehi who sat alongside Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas at the farewell press conference of coach Tata Martino, who stepped down unexpectedly after the team’s first-round playoff exit at the hands of Atlanta United.

And it was Sanllehi who was quoted in the most recent press releases about roster moves, which is the area Henderson previously handled.

Henderson is best known for his understanding and navigation of the complex MLS roster rules and for discovering young talents, such as defensive midfielder Yannick Bright, a rookie from University of New Hampshire who became an Inter Miami starter by mid-season.

He also was instrumental in Inter Miami recovering from severe MLS sanctions for roster rules violated prior to his arrival. And he managed to keep the club payroll roster compliant despite the additions of superstars Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.

“Chris has experience building consistent, winning teams in this league and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the club as our new Sporting Director,” Lagerwey said. “His illustrious career and vast experience was something we valued in this hiring process and he was someone who immediately rose to the top of our search. He understands all the nuances that MLS roster building brings and I’m excited to see him play a pivotal role in helping us bring that consistent winner to Atlanta.”

Under his guidance, Henderson helped build an Inter Miami team that won the Leagues Cup title in 2023 and this year set a new MLS regular season points record (74) and won the Supporters’ Shield trophy.

“I want to thank Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for giving me the opportunity to come to Atlanta and I’m excited to begin this new journey in my career,” Henderson said. “I’ve followed this club for a while now and the ambitions of the club, both on and off the pitch, are clear and that’s to compete for trophies every single season. I’m excited to get to work with Garth and to play a role in helping Atlanta United build on its history of success.”

Before becoming an MLS executive, Henderson, 54, spent 12 years playing in Europe and the United States. He played in Germany and Norway before joining MLS. In addition to playing for the Fusion, he played for the Colorado Rapids, Kansas City Wizards, Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls. He retired in 2006.

He also made 79 appearances for the U.S. national team and scored three goals.

Inter Miami to play Club America in Las Vegas

Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami coaching debut will be a high profile friendly against Mexican power Club America in Las Vegas on Jan. 18.

Miami, coming off its first Supporter’s Shield, will play the two-time Liga MX champion at Allegiant Stadium at 10 p.m. ET.

“We look forward to a competitive and exciting match, one that will benefit both clubs as we continue to grow and inspire our fans around the world,” said America president Santiago Banos.

Season ticket members will be able to purchase tickets through a pre-sale. More information will be available in the coming weeks.