ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2026) – The Orlando Pride has parted ways with head coach Seb Hines, effective immediately. Assistant coach Yolanda Thomas has been appointed interim head coach following Hines’ departure.
“We want to express our gratitude to Seb for the dedication, leadership and professionalism he brought to the Club during his time with us,” said Caitlin Carducci, Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations & General Manager. “He will always have a special place in our history for helping lead the Pride to levels it had never reached before. However, as we look toward the Club’s long-term vision and future objectives, we believe that this is the appropriate time for a leadership change. We are grateful for all that Seb has contributed and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
“Seb leaves an undeniable legacy with the Pride,” said Mark Wilf, Orlando Pride Owner & Chairman. “His commitment to our players, his staff and this club helped deliver some of the most important moments in our history. Beyond the results, he helped establish a culture that elevated expectations for what this organization could achieve. We are thankful for everything Seb has contributed and wish him and his family the very best moving forward.”
Thomas assumes the interim head coach role after serving as an assistant coach with the Pride since joining the club ahead of the 2023 season. While with the Club, Thomas also served as head coach for the U-23 U.S. Women’s Youth National Team during two camps in 2025.
Prior to arriving in Orlando, Thomas coached Tulsa Soccer Club and Fortuna Tulsa of the Women’s Premier Soccer League, leading the organization to Franchise of the Year honors in 2019 and 2021 while earning 2019 WPSL Red River Conference Coach of the Year recognition.
Departing the Club alongside Hines is goalkeeper coach Paul Crichton, who joined the Pride coaching staff prior to the 2023 season.
