Austin FC II announced today the addition of Dennis Sanchez and Jason Grubb to its coaching staff ahead of its inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro. Sanchez and Grubb will work as assistant coaches under Austin FC II Head Coach Brett Uttley.
“We want to wish Jason and Dennis a warm welcome to Austin FC II and the city of Austin,” said Uttley. “They will play a key role in preparing our second team both physically and tactically as we embark on our first season.”
Sanchez arrives in Austin after spending the 2022 season as First Assistant Coach of Charleston Battery in the USL Championship. He previously served as Academy Director and Head Coach at Sacramento Republic FC, and as Academy General Manager at Columbus Crew.
Sanchez earned a Master of Science Sports in Coaching from Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom in August 2016 and worked as an assistant coach with the academy of English Premier League side Everton FC during his studies.
“I can’t wait to join the coaching staff for Austin FC II, and to begin working toward developing players and achieving our shared goals,” said Sanchez. “In past roles, I’ve experienced the rewarding feeling of seeing young players I’ve worked with earn opportunities at the first team level, and in my role with Austin FC II I’ll aim to help our players do exactly that.”
Grubb joins ATXFC II having most recently worked as Houston Dynamo FC’s Head of Academy Goalkeeping and Houston Dynamo 2 Goalkeeping Coach. He also worked as Goalkeeping Coach for the U-20 U.S. Men’s Youth National Team since 2021, where he helped the program win the Concacaf Under-20 Championship in 2022.
His prior coaching experience includes stints as the Goalkeeping Coach for the U-18 and U-20 U.S. Women’s Youth National Teams, as Head of Goalkeeping at IMG Academy, and as assistant coach at Quinnipiac University.
“I’m excited to join Austin FC II, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of bringing the team together in its first season,” said Grubb. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help shape the careers of young players as they strive to reach their full potential.”
Austin FC II will train and operate alongside the Austin FC first team and academy teams out of St. David’s Performance Center. Player signings will be announced throughout the coming months in addition to more details on scheduling and competition format.
Follow Austin FC II’s social channels (@AustinFCII) and check austinfc.com for regular updates on the club.
