FC Cincinnati hire Chris Albright as general manager

FC Cincinnati have announced Chris Albright as their new general manager. 

He joins after serving the Philadelphia Union as technical director under sporting director Ernst Tanner for almost seven years.

Albright helped build the club’s Supporters' Shield-winning 2020 side and oversaw the development, integration and subsequent transfers of homegrown stars Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie.

“Chris has been extremely focused and efficient in accomplishing the club’s goals and has set the standard high when it comes to securing players and managing the salary cap,” said Tanner. “He has an incredible grasp of the MLS roster rules and regulations that he introduced me to when I first arrived. I’m grateful for our collaboration over the last couple of seasons and wish him the best in Cincinnati.”

Albright joins as FC Cincinnati’s third full time general manager after the club parted ways with Gerard Nijkamp in the summer. He will be in charge of all soccer-related areas, including roster management, salary cap budgeting, player scouting, acquisition and more.

“Our search for our next general manager was extensive,” FCC president Jeff Berding said in a club statement. “Our new GM was going to be someone who knew what was required to win in Major League Soccer, experience that was non-negotiable. Delivering on that requirement, we are delighted to have found the best person for the job.” 

The club also relieved head coach Jaap Stam in September, meaning Alrbight will be in charge of the next hire. 

“It’s an honor to be the general manager of FC Cincinnati,” Albright said. “This is a club with incredible supporters, top-of-the-league facilities and resources, and a hunger for success. I would like to thank Carl H. Lindner III, Meg Whitman and the ownership, as well as Jeff and everyone who has trusted me to lead this club to achieve the goals we have set.

"I am committed to bringing all of my knowledge and experience to the table to make FC Cincinnati a championship club. I look forward to meeting the team, the staff and all of the fans, and I can’t wait to get started.”