The Chattanooga Football Club on Wednesday announced a new head coach and technical director for the 2020 season, according to a CFC news release.
Longtime head coach Bill Elliott will take over as technical director, and last year's associate head coach Peter Fuller will assume the head coaching role. The leadership change comes nearly four months after the club announced it will be joining a professional soccer league.
The coaches' new roles will take effect immediately, and both Fuller and Elliott have begun work on the next season with the National Independent Soccer Association after previously competing in the National Premier Soccer League.
Jeremy Alumbaugh, CFC's managing director, expressed happiness about both men returning.
"We are blessed to have such strong continuity from a coaching perspective. It's something you don't normally see at this level," Alumbaugh said in the release.
"I've watched Bill from afar for years, and the way that he consistently produces high quality soccer is really special. Bringing in Peter as associate head coach last year was a seamless transition, and he has certainly earned the opportunity to be the head coach next season."
Chattanooga Football Club associate head coach Peter Fuller, right, gives instructions to forward Joao Costa during a home game against Detroit City FC on Oct. 5, 2019. Fuller will take over as the team's head coach for the 2020 season. / Staff photo by Robin RuddIn his new position, Elliott will be responsible for the overall soccer direction for the entire club, including oversight of player recruitment, scouting and season planning. Fuller will be responsible for the day to day coaching, match preparation and player development.
Longtime goalkeeper coach Jordan Matheiss has been promoted to full-time director of soccer operations, under both Elliott and Fuller, the release states.
Elliott said he's "thrilled" to continue to work with the team and Chattanooga community.
"I've been involved with Chattanooga FC since 2012, and looking back at what we've built is humbling," Elliott said in the release. "We've truly lived by our mission to bring communities together through the beautiful game, and I'm honored to continue the work with the board, Jeremy, our team, and the city."
Fuller echoed Elliott on the union between the team and the community and looks forward to the upcoming season.
"It's been apparent to me that Chattanooga FC is a unique club for a long time, and I was blown away by my experience here in 2019," Fuller said. "As we move into the professional ranks, I look forward to being able to impart that spirit into the new players and continue to produce quality results on the field. We have some steep competition ahead of us, but we are ready for the challenge."