Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Chris Henderson named Inter Miami’s sporting director and chief soccer officer.
Inter Miami CF have a new boss in charge of soccer operations.
The club announced Monday morning that Chris Henderson will be their chief soccer officer and sporting director.
Henderson returns to South Florida after 13 years as a part of the Seattle Sounders’ front office.
After previously being a finalist for Inter Miami’s sporting director job in 2018, Henderson fills the void left by Paul McDonough after the latter stepped down as the club’s first sporting director.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to take the next step in my career,” Henderson said in a statement, “return back to South Florida and solidify my mark on this league.”
On Monday, the team also announced their new head coach, Phil Neville, a former teammate of Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham as a part of the club’s front office and coaching overhaul after a disappointing inaugural season. The team had a 7-13-3 record during the regular season before quickly being eliminated by fellow expansion team Nashville SC in the playoffs.
“I have always believed in the Inter Miami project and the club’s ability to become a powerhouse not only in MLS,” Henderson said, “but
across the global soccer industry.”
Henderson has extensive experience in Major League Soccer. He played in the league from 19962006 — including for the Miami Fusion in 2001. He joined the Sounders as their technical director in 2008 ahead of their inaugural season in 2009 before being named as the club’s vice president of soccer and sporting director after the 2014 season.
Seattle’s won four U.S. Open Cups, two MLS Cups and a Supporters’ Shield since entering into the league, with Henderson
being considered the Sounders lead talent-evaluator during his time with the club.
“Chris brings a successful and winning MLS track record and we couldn’t be happier to bring him on board,” Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said in a statement. “The fabric of our club is unique, it reflects the passion of our community. We as owners are committed to giving Chris the tools he needs to develop a sustainable winning soccer culture that delivers consistent performance on the field. As we enter the 2021 season,
Chris is an integral part of the vision that drives us.”
Henderson will manage all of the club’s soccer operations, with the technical staff and positions on Inter Miami’s business side being announced at a later date.
“My goal is to work with the technical staff to ensure we have a roster that fits the style of soccer we want while maintaining a healthy pipeline of youth, league wide and international players who could contribute to the team’s success on and off the field,” Henderson said. “I’m looking forward to joining Inter Miami’s journey and reconnecting with the fanbase in South Florida.”