Portland Thorns promote interim head coach Rob Gale to permanent role

Rob Gale has been appointed as the new head coach of the Portland Thorns after serving as interim head coach and leading the team to a six-game win streak.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – At long last, the Portland Thorns officially have a head coach.

Rob Gale was given the gig on Friday after serving as the team’s interim head coach since April 2024. He then took the team on a six-game win streak.

The change came after former coach Mike Norris shifted to a technical director role, temporarily moving Gale from his former assistant coaching role. The team said they did an international search for a new head coach, but decided Gale was the man for the job.

“Since taking over in the interim Rob has proven himself to be the right choice to serve as our club’s head coach. I believe that Rob epitomizes what it means to be a Portland Thorn,” General Manager Karina LeBlanc said. “His enthusiasm, joy, and fun-loving spirit is evident in everything he does and we are confident that this will drive our continued pursuit of success. His vision for the future of the Portland Thorns perfectly aligns with our club’s values and aspirations.”

Gale first joined the Thorns as an assistant coach prior to the 2023 season. In a statement released on Friday, Gale said he has felt welcomed by the team since his start.

“To the Thorns fans who have embraced me since my first game, I can promise you we will give it our all, on and off the field, to earn your love for our team, our club and our city,” Gale said. “It is a privilege to work for you and to be a part of your family. Together there are no limits to what we can achieve.”

The team is set to begin the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League Summer Cup on Sunday, July 21 against Club Tijuana at Providence Park. They are currently fifth in the NWSL standings as they head into a break for the Olympics.