Spurs Coach Sets Sights on Colorado: How the MLS is Becoming an Attractive Destination for Young Coaches

Why Matt Wells' Shock Move Proves MLS is the New Launchpad for Europe's Brightest Young Coaches

When Ange Postecoglou joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of ‘23, he decided against bringing his Celtic staff, opting to build a brand new coaching collaboration in N17.

The Australian may have developed a knack for poor decisions in recent history, especially after his move to Trentside, but when it came to his crew at Spurs, he evidently had an eye for future talent.

Ryan Mason and Chris Davies made up a large portion of his team behind the scenes; the pair have since gone on to coach in the Championship at West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.

Now it's Matt Wells’ turn.

Arsenal and Tottenham rarely find themselves in negotiations, yet it is the Kroenke-owned Colorado Rapids who are set to cement the Spurs assistant as their next head coach, as per The Athletic.

🚨🥇| #Tottenham assistant coach Matt Wells is set to become the new manager of MLS side Colorado Rapids.@tombogert pic.twitter.com/hzU9i9g5Wn

— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) December 12, 2025

Who Is Wells and Why Is He Wanted?

Wells’ ventures into the managerial world began almost two decades ago, after injuries hampered his chances of making a name for himself in North London. The Enfield-born coach swiftly swapped trivelas for tactics, taking training sessions at Spurs’ academy in his early 20s.

The now 37-year-old coincidentally spent some time in the States during his early years, as he began to develop his coaching skills. Followed by a spell at Stevenage’s academy before returning to Tottenham.

At Hotspur Way, Wells furthered his knowledge in the psychological sides of the game, as well as the strategic. He was paired with Kieran McKenna to take on a video coach role, which required a blend of digital analysis and on-pitch tutoring.

McKenna himself, as well as the aforementioned Davies, shares a very similar career path to Wells. The trio make up the new age wave of managers we are seeing rise through the ranks this decade, who have extensive experience in the coaching world due to career-ending injuries before they reached the senior game.

Wells transferred his skills from the academy to senior football when Scott Parker came calling in 2019. The Colorado candidate is one of the few who could call themselves somewhat of a ‘Parker Protege’ after spending years assisting the Burnley manager with Spurs’ under-18 set up, followed by endeavours at Fulham and Bournemouth.

Selfishly, I didn't want to see Ryan Mason leave, & just as much, I don't want to see Matt Wells leave.

However, I completely understand how they want to progress their careers & become head coaches, i don't begrudge that at all.

I think a lot of them both for all the love &… pic.twitter.com/bxzBHDvb5V

— Gary Ward (@GaryRWard) December 12, 2025

With a bumper CV and invaluable experience in the Premier League, Wells is an attractive option for Colorado, and one that many fans will claim would be the most ambitious appointment in the club's history.

What Will Wells Bring to The ‘Pids?

The city of Denver was captivated by the Nuggets’ run to the 2023 NBA Championship title, the first in the franchise's 51-year history. The large urban area situated in the centre of Colorado has had brief periods of sporting success over the years, as the home of franchises in all five major leagues. However, in the last four years, the Rapids have become somewhat of a punch line in the league, ridiculed for their poor performances and lack of ambition.

The 2010 MLS Cup Champions have stagnated since they topped the Western Conference in the 2021 campaign, failing to qualify for the postseason on three occasions. The rise of flashy Californian outfits San Diego, LA Galaxy, and LAFC, in recent Western Conference history, caused the Rapids to fade away into irrelevance, despite their notable ownership.

After all, it's hard to convince one to pick the plains of Denver over the skyscrapers of Los Angeles.

Wells will have a hefty task ahead of him if he is to get this Rapids team sprinting again. Colorado finished outside of the playoffs by the narrowest of margins in 2025, ultimately enough to see Chris Armas leave the club with a 36.59% win ratio and a bag full of unaccomplished dreams.

OFFICIAL: The club and Head Coach Chris Armas mutually agree to part ways following the completion of his contract.

📰 » https://t.co/j3RuvD3xQD#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/u6vGBuLQjG

— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) October 27, 2025

The ‘Pids have a strong core heading into the new year, featuring Zack Steffen between the sticks, Rob Holding in the back line, and Paxten Aaronson in an advanced midfield position. Whilst Steffen and Holding are ageing professionals, their profiles are still practical foundations to build from.

Aaronson is an intriguing case, brought in from Eintracht Frankfurt to replace Djordje Mihailovic three years on from leaving MLS as a 19-year-old, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Brendan. So far, Aaronson has struggled to be the main man in Denver; however, the potential and commitment are there to build a team around him.

🇺🇸 Paxten Aaronson on joining Colorado Rapids:

“The puzzlement from the media is fair, but nobody ever knows the full story. It wasn’t easy for me to make a decision… but where was I going to be the happiest playing my soccer?

“It was a massive decision & I was super happy." pic.twitter.com/oLE6OHXY6O

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) August 21, 2025

Alongside Aaronsen, Rafael Navarro makes up Colorado’s two registered designated players. The Brazilian was a rare individual to rave about in Colorado this year, scoring 15 and assisting seven in all competitions. Whilst the forward is under contract, he has faced multi-million dollar offers from Fluminense in recent months, and could seek out a move back to his homeland this winter.

Other young talents like Theodore Ku-DiPietro, Josh Atencio, and Darren Yapi exist within the Rapids’ roster, but have failed to prove they are more than valued squad players thus far. Appointing Wells will benefit the youngsters in particular, as he has spent countless years working on developing junior age groups.

Especially Yapi, the 21-year-old scored eight goals in 29 MLS appearances in 2025, and could evolve to become a Navarro replacement laying in plain sight.

Colorado Rapids could sell Rafael Navarro for top dollar this winter, reinvest that money at another position, and go into 2026 with Darren Yapi as the presumptive starting striker and I'd be here for it.

— Matt Pollard (@LWOSMattPollard) October 19, 2025

Is MLS The New Trend for Young Coaches?

An MLS franchise is the perfect breeding ground for a long-term project, which is why it often attracts managers with little experience in the senior game. Take Javier Mascherano, for example, who had only ever coached within the youth systems of the Argentinian national team before he was handed the Inter Miami job.

San Diego’s Mikey Varas, Cincinnati’s Pat Noonan, and Nashville’s B.J. Callaghan all worked in assisting roles for the USMNT before landing first-ever senior positions at their respective present clubs.

No. 1 seed and Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs in year 1 ✅

Mikey Varas’ path to @SanDiegoFC is nothing short of amazing: https://t.co/n8QtmZRhOd pic.twitter.com/ZyfuSRC9Ro

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 21, 2025

The model example Wells will undoubtedly take inspiration from is Eric Ramsay, who left Manchester United in the early stages of 2024 to take the helm at Minnesota United, a move that has seen the Welshman revolutionise a club that looked well and truly lost.

Wilfried Nancy is yet another man who made a name for himself in the MLS before securing a high-profile move to Europe earlier this month.

The absence of relegation and financial stability of the league means that clubs can plan far into their future, knowing their MLS spot is guaranteed. Those factors combined take the pressure off a coach initially, allowing them to settle in without the danger of an insta-sack.

Even Ronny Deila was given the entire year at Atlanta, the man who led one of the most expensive squads in the league's history to five wins and a 29th-place finish.

Wells has already been interviewed for the Colorado role and is expected to be announced as their head coach in the forthcoming days. Tottenham will now begin to search for his replacement, amidst the Thomas Frank turmoil they find themselves in.

If and I suppose it’s a big IF, that they are going to sack him, now’s the time to do it.

No midweek game to prepare for.
Matt Wells is potentially going to USA.

With the fixture list coming up, they won’t do it if it’s not done now.

— Nick Davison (@nick_davison10) December 14, 2025

The move is another winning statement from the MLS as the league continues to establish itself as an environment for people to grow and thrive away from the European spotlight.