PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Thorns FC interim head coach Rob Gale has been promoted to the permanent role, the club announced Friday morning.
Following the transition from Mike Norris to Gale in April amid a winless start to the 2024 season, Gale immediately led the Thorns to six consecutive wins, setting a league record for most wins to start a head coach's career throughout the National Women's Soccer League's 12-year history, the Portland Thorns said.
Gale had been an assistant coach under Norris for the Thorns since the 2023 season.
In mid-April, the Portland Thorns announced that Norris would no longer be the head coach after one year. Instead, he was moved to be the club's first-ever technical director, where he's in charge of scouting, talent acquisition and player development, according to the club.
"At the beginning of this process, we indicated our intention to embark on a global search for the right person to lead this historic club as our next head coach," said Karina LeBlanc, the general manager of the Portland Thorns FC. "I am pleased to share that after a long, extensive and thorough process, we have come to the conclusion of our coaching search. Since taking over in the interim, Rob has proven himself to be the right choice to serve as our club’s head coach. I believe that Rob epitomizes what it means to be a Portland Thorn."
As head coach, Gale has amassed an 8-2-2 record. Currently, the Portland Thorns are ranked fifth in the NWSL. Under his leadership, the Thorns have scored 20 goals, from nine different goal scorers, and have only had 10 goals scored against them.
"I am very proud, honored and humbled to be the Head Coach of the Portland Thorns, a club that has set the standard on the field in North America and has fans that are unmatched worldwide," Gale said.
"I would like to thank the Bhathal family for their faith in me, as well as all the staff who in such a short space of time have worked so tirelessly to create history together. They have not only welcomed me over this past year but helped my family and I through some tough times personally. To the Thorns fans who have embraced me since my first game, I can promise you we will give it our all, on and off the field, to earn your love for our team, our club and our city. It is a privilege to work for you and to be a part of your family. Together, there are no limits to what we can achieve."
Previously, Gale was a youth coach for New York City Football Club. He was also the head coach and general manager of Valour FC in the Canadian Premier League from 2018 to 2021.
"We are honored to have him at the helm as we begin this next chapter, and I am very much looking forward to working together to create a bright future for this club, its players, supporters, fans and community," LeBlanc said.
The Thorns are currently competing in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Their next regular-season game is Aug. 24 against Gotham FC.