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Commentary: Rob Gale had his best season as head coach - and it was still the right move to part ways

Jeff Agoos' biggest move to date as Thorns GM was an important step away from "good enough" and towards "nothing but excellence" – the standard the Thorns have been striving towards reclaiming over the past three seasons.

By Sam Svilar
Commentary: Rob Gale had his best season as head coach - and it was still the right move to part ways
Photo Credit: Kelsey Baker
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Just three days after the close of the 2025 NWSL season, the Portland Thorns made their biggest move of the year.

It was announced last week that the Thorns were parting ways with current head coach Rob Gale. The announcement came as a mild surprise to many, as Gale had just guided the Thorns to a semifinal appearance after a season marred by injury and adversity around seemingly every corner. For this Portland team to finish third in the table in 2025 and be just one win away from making the NWSL Championship Game was an undoubtedly successful season.

BREAKING: Portland Thorns and head coach Rob Gale agree to part ways - immediate search for a replacement has begun
Today, the Portland Thorns have announced the club and Head Coach Rob Gale have agreed to part ways. Gale took over at the early stages of the 2023 season for Mike Norris. He led the team to consecutive playoff appearances, including a 2025 semifinal appearance -even after the team dealt
Stumptown FootyPhuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)

2025 was far and away Rob Gale's best season in charge of the Portland Thorns. And it was still the right move for him and the Thorns to part ways.

Jeff Agoos' biggest move to date as General Manager of the Thorns was an important step away from "good enough" and towards "nothing but excellence" – which is the standard the Thorns have been striving towards reclaiming over the past three seasons. It will allow Portland to truly elevate one of their biggest growth areas, and vault them back into the top-tier of contention of the league for 2026 – and perhaps even years to come.

There's been a need to upgrade at head coach since 2023

Coming out of the gates hot, I know.

I understand why it had to end, but it's a darn shame that the Rhian Wilkinson era was so short. Ever since her departure, Portland has been struggling to find the same championship-level caliber of coach. Wilkinson turned the Thorns into an absolute offensive juggernaut, with a stellar defense to boot. You haven't really been able to call the Thorns a juggernaut or stellar at anything since Wilkinson resigned.