The Sudden Change Follows a Championship Season
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC have announced a major leadership change. On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the club confirmed a Colorado Springs Switchbacks Split with Coach James Chambers and Sporting Director Stephen Hogan. This departure is effective immediately.
The decision is surprising given the team’s success one year prior. Chambers guided the Switchbacks to the 2024 USL Championship Final victory. The club stated they will immediately begin a search for a new head coach.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks Split with Coach James Chambers: Immediate Details
The official announcement from the club noted that Chambers and Hogan had made meaningful contributions. However, the move follows the team’s elimination in the opening round of the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs. Local reporting immediately noted the contrast between the parted ways language and the sudden timing.
This sudden action comes less than a year after their leadership led the Switchbacks to a championship. Hogan had served as the club’s first-ever Sporting Director. This decision signals a complete restart for the club’s technical leadership.
The Legacy After the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Split with Coach James Chambers
The duo leaves behind a significant winning legacy at Weidner Field. Chambers guided the team to the USL Championship title on November 23, 2024, with a 3-0 win over Rhode Island FC.
Their combined tenure saw the team achieve five consecutive postseasons. This helped establish the Switchbacks as a top club in the league. However, the organization clearly felt a different direction was necessary for 2026. The high expectations set by the 2024 success clearly factored into this swift decision.
Expert Insight: Why the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Split with Coach James Chambers
To understand the organizational factors behind such a decision, we spoke with seasoned soccer coach Simo Idrissi and one of the best coaches in Colorado.
Don: Simo, you are a coach with no connection to the staff or the Switchback club. Why exactly would such a split occur at this very important time?
Simo Idrissi: Look, when a club makes a change like that, especially after a high point like a championship, it usually means there’s been a shift in vision rather than just results. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC is definitely one of the best soccer clubs in the region. I live far north of Colorado, but sometimes I like to come down alone just to watch the beautiful game. You can truly feel the culture and tradition this fantastic club has already built in one of the most vibrant and remarkable cities — Colorado Springs.
Sometimes management and the technical staff stop seeing the next step the same way. One side wants to rebuild, the other wants to reinforce. Timing always looks tough from the outside, but internally, these decisions rarely happen overnight. They often come from months of evaluation and assessing the team’s long-term direction after the last campaign.
Don: But that doesn’t necessarily mean a technical staff can’t adapt to a new organizational plan, correct?
Simo Idrissi: “Absolutely. A change in leadership doesn’t mean the technical staff can’t adapt. In fact, most professionals at this level are very capable of adjusting to a new structure or direction. But in soccer, sometimes it’s not about ability—it’s about complete alignment. The club might be shifting its long-term priorities, style of play, or development model. Even if the staff can adapt, management may decide to start fresh to match a new philosophy perfectly. It’s not always a negative reflection on the coaches; sometimes it’s just two sides moving in different organizational directions.
Don: In this case, the club also has to deal with the ripple effect on players, as the coach plays a big role in their performance. Does this mean the club will force players out?
Simo Idrissi: Usually when a club changes its technical staff, there’s a natural ripple effect. Every coach has a system, a philosophy, and a certain type of player that fits that model. When a new staff comes in, they often evaluate the roster based on how well each player fits the new tactical approach. It doesn’t always mean the club forces players out. Rather, mutual decisions often happen—some players may move on to find playing time elsewhere, and the club brings in profiles that match the new vision. It’s part of the cycle. It’s not necessarily about poor performance; it’s about compatibility with the new project.
Don: So, is it fair to assume the club may be preparing a new foundation, possibly driven by a new sponsorship or investment that compels them to restructure everything, including the staff?
Simo Idrissi: Yes, that’s often what happens behind the scenes. When a club brings in new investment, a major sponsorship, or even a shift in ownership, it usually comes with new, ambitious expectations. That can mean restructuring everything—from the sporting department to recruitment strategy and the technical identity. Sometimes, it’s less about dissatisfaction and more about evolution. A club wants to refresh its image, align with new partners, or modernize its soccer model. In that situation, even a successful staff might be replaced simply to match the new direction. Clubs evolve, projects change, and sometimes that means resetting the foundation to build something that fits their next phase.
Don: So, as an experienced coach, if the club asked for your advice, what would you tell them?
Simo Idrissi: What Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC have built is remarkable — the culture, the identity, the connection with the city — that’s not something you create overnight. Any advice I’d give starts with one principle: protect what works and evolve what doesn’t.
In my experience, success isn’t just about changing staff or chasing new tactics; it’s about understanding the heartbeat of the club and leading people to believe in that vision. That’s something I focus on wherever I go — connecting players, staff, and fans to a shared purpose.
If a club wants to grow sustainably and make its mark, they need someone who can see both the detail and the bigger picture, and guide everyone in the right direction. That’s where strong leadership matters, and that’s where I thrive.
Don: I have two questions in one: your advice puts me in a position to keep asking, so your advice — you mentioned seeing both the detail and the bigger picture — doesn’t the Switchbacks already do that?”
Simo Idrissi: Absolutely, the Switchbacks have a strong foundation and have demonstrated an impressive ability to balance the details with the bigger picture — that’s part of why they’ve achieved what they have. My point isn’t that they don’t see it; it’s that every club, no matter how successful, benefits from outside perspective. Bringing in someone who can notice subtle patterns, connect the dots differently, and reinforce the vision can amplify what’s already working. In my experience, adding that layer of insight is what takes a club from strong to truly exceptional.”
The Legacy After the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Split with Coach James Chambers
The duo leaves behind a significant winning legacy at Weidner Field. Chambers guided the team to the USL Championship title on November 23, 2024, with a 3-0 win over Rhode Island FC.
Their combined tenure saw the team achieve five consecutive postseasons. This helped establish the Switchbacks as a top club in the league. However, the organization clearly felt a different direction was necessary for 2026. The high expectations set by the 2024 success clearly factored into this swift decision.
What Comes Next?
The focus now shifts to the search for the Switchbacks’ next Head Coach. The club explicitly stated that a search for a new Head Coach will begin immediately. The Sporting Director role, previously held by Hogan, will not be filled at this time.
The organization is looking for a leader who can quickly establish a competitive roster for the 2026 season. Suggested criteria for this crucial hire include:
- USL Championship Experience: A candidate with deep knowledge of the league structure and player pool.
- Player Development Focus: An ability to integrate youth talent while maintaining a veteran core.
- Tactical Flexibility: A style that can adapt to different opponents and maintain the home field advantage at Weidner Field.
The next coach will be tasked with continuing the high competitive standards set by the former championship-winning staff.