Brian Ownby Named Permanent Head Coach of the Richmond Kickers
Brian Ownby’s long journey with the Richmond Kickers has entered a brand-new chapter. As richmondkickers.com reported, the club has officially named Ownby the ninth head coach in franchise history.
The announcement, made by Chairman and CEO Rob Ukrop, removes the interim tag that Ownby carried since June 15. The Glen Allen, Va., native and former professional player guided the technical staff through the final 22 matches of the 2026 campaign, steadying the club through four crucial months of the regular season.
“I am honored and grateful to be named the ninth Head Coach of the Richmond Kickers,” Ownby stated. “I would like to thank Rob Ukrop, Camp Peery, and everyone within the organization for their trust and confidence in me to bring my vision to life on the field.”
Closing Out the Season at City Stadium
Ownby’s promotion follows a notable late-season push at City Stadium. Under his leadership, the Kickers found their offensive rhythm, netting 16 goals across their final nine matches of the regular season.
The surge was powered by consistent contributions from key attackers. Tarik Pannholzer and Lucca Dourado combined for 11 goal contributions, including eight goals, during a tight eight-match window. The team rewarded that late momentum by closing out the year with two victories in their final three outings.
“We are excited to appoint Brian as our Head Coach,” Kickers Chairman and CEO Rob Ukrop explained, pointing to the coach’s steady hand over the previous several months. Ukrop highlighted Ownby’s commitment to the hometown club and an acute ability to connect with a younger generation of players while maintaining high standards for the RVA community.
Deep Roots in Richmond Soccer
Before taking the reins on the sideline, Ownby built a playing career that began locally at Deep Run High School, where he captured a VHSL State Title. He then starred at the University of Virginia, making 72 appearances with 21 goals and 10 assists over four seasons in Charlottesville.
His collegiate resume boasts a memorable golden-goal strike in the NCAA College Cup national semifinal, earning him a spot on the College Cup All-Tournament Team. Internationally, he represented the United States youth ranks, scoring against Cameroon at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Following college, Houston Dynamo FC selected Ownby in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. He made 29 MLS appearances across three seasons while gaining experience on loan spells throughout the professional pyramid, including stints with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Reading United, and crucially, the Richmond Kickers.
During his 2013 loan with Richmond, Ownby tallied seven goals and seven assists, helping drive the club to the top of the USL Pro table to capture the Commissioner’s Cup. He returned to City Stadium for the 2015 and 2016 seasons before injuries interrupted his playing days.
Now, he steps permanently into the technical area with a clear objective.
“For me, I want to bring back an enjoyable product out there on the field,” Ownby said. “Something that matches what the fans believe in, what I believe in, what ownership believes in and the way I played the game. That’s the way I want to lead this group.”
