Orlando City SC has appointed Dan Lock as its Academy Head of Methodology & Coaching, placing him in charge of coach development and methodology and training processes across the U-12 through U-18 age groups. Lock also will work to improve alignment between the Academy, Orlando City B and the First Team. The appointment was announced Oct. 7, 2026.
Lock joins Orlando City SC after most recently serving as head of coaching and individual development for the Columbus Crew Academy. In that role, he led player and team development initiatives, oversaw curriculum and methodology implementation and supported the education and advancement of coaches. He previously served as academy director for the Columbus Crew.
Lock brings academy leadership experience
Lock also held leadership roles with Charlotte FC and Seattle Sounders FC. He oversaw academy operations, coached across multiple age groups and supported player pathways from grassroots and pre-academy levels through the professional ranks. His new role with Orlando City SC will cover both player and coach development throughout the Academy.
“Dan brings extensive experience developing both players and coaches within high-performing academy environments,” said Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director. “His expertise in building clear methodologyand effective training environments will help us create greater consistency throughout our academy and strengthen the pathway from our youngest age groups to Orlando City B and the First Team. We are committed to building one of the leading player development environments in North America, and Dan is an important addition to that vision.”
National coaching education role
Since 2023, Lock has served as a coach educator for the U.S. Soccer A-Youth License. He also has worked as a coach educator and instructor for MLS NEXT continuing professional development seminars. Those responsibilities add a national and league-level coaching education component to his club experience.
Lock was selected as head coach of the East Team at the 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game. His career includes championships in MLS NEXT Cup, MLS NEXT Pro, Generation adidas Cup and the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. The Columbus Crew Academy earned MLS Academy of the Year honors in 2023.
Lock earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in sport science, specializing in sports development and economics, from Liverpool John Moores University. His qualifications include the French Football Federation Elite Formation Coaching License, U.S. Soccer A-Youth License, U.S. Soccer Coach Educator License, English FA Talent Identification Level 2 certification, English FA Level 2 Coaching Certificate, United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and Director of Coaching Diploma.
FSB Take
Orlando City SC is adding a dedicated methodology and coaching leader to its Academy structure. Lock’s background with the Columbus Crew Academy, Charlotte FC and Seattle Sounders FC aligns with the club’s stated goal of creating greater consistency from the U-12 age group through the U-18 level and improving connections with Orlando City B and the First Team. His work will center on the training processes and coach development that support that pathway.
Source: Original report