Guelph United announces Head Coach change for Men's First Team
Guelph United FC is announcing a change to the Men's First Team coaching setup for the second half of the 2026 Ontario Premier League (OPL) season. Following a mutual decision, Alan Koch will take over on the technical side, effective immediately.
The move reflects a shared belief between Mickael Rougette and the club's leadership: the second half of the season is a big moment, and the team deserves the added support of an experienced, professional head coach to help drive the group through the remaining fixtures and keep Guelph United's place in the OPL’s second division.
This isn't a step back, it's a step forward together. Bringing in senior coaching experience reinforces the staff, gives the players every advantage for the run-in, and reflects the club's commitment to its city: keeping top-level men's soccer in Guelph, built for this community, for the long haul.
“We made this call together, and it’s the right one for our players, our staff, and our club. Alan is a proven professional with the experience and standards our group needs right now, and I’m fully behind this move. Guelph United comes first, always. I’m still here, still committed, and I’ll be supporting this team in every way I can.”
Meet Alan Koch
Alan Koch brings one of the most respected coaching résumés in Canadian soccer, with senior roles across MLS, USL Championship, the Canadian Premier League, and internationally, including head coaching tenures with FC Cincinnati, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, Colorado Springs Switchbacks, FC Edmonton, Western Suburbs FC (NZ), and currently the Guelph Gryphons men's program.
“I am excited to embrace the challenge presented and will do everything that we can with the players and staff to keep Guelph United in OPL2. This will be a big challenge, but I look forward to rolling up the sleeves and tackling it with everyone at the club.”
The club thanks its players, staff, supporters, sponsors, and partners, and looks forward to the Guelph community rallying behind the team for the rest of the season.