LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Tuesday the departure of Head Coach Danny Cruz from the club to pursue a new opportunity in professional soccer.
The club also announced the appointment of Simon Bird as interim head coach and Paolo DelPiccolo as first assistant coach ahead of its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup contest on Wednesday night against Southern Indiana FC.
Cruz leaves Louisville as LouCity’s longest-tenured and winningest manager, leading the club to consecutive USL Championship Players’ Shields in the 2024 and 2025 seasons and raising an Eastern Conference title in 2022.
“It’s very difficult to put into words the gratitude that I have for the city of Louisville,” said Cruz. “This club and community have felt like home for the past seven years. I want to thank John Neace, the ownership group, James O’Connor, my staff, players, the front office and – of course – our fans for the incredible amount of support my family and I have received over the years.
“It is never easy to say goodbye, but I feel like I have an opportunity that’s right for my family and me. I hope that over the years I have made you all proud. I know that I gave you all everything I had. The club remains in good hands, and I’m excited to watch it continue to do amazing things. I will remain forever grateful and honored to have been a part of a truly special place.”
Cruz first joined LouCity as an assistant coach in 2018 before receiving the head coaching job in 2021. Since then, the 36-year-old has made history both individually and as LouCity’s leader in the USL Championship, posting a 106-37-34 record across the regular season playoffs, both the most wins of any club during his tenure and the fewest losses among clubs with at least 130 games played.
Last September, Cruz became both the youngest Head Coach to reach 100 victories in the league across the regular season and playoffs aged 35 years, 8 months, 17 days old, and the fastest to reach the landmark, doing so in 169 games. The club also set or equaled multiple single-season records, including its 24-win campaign in 2024 which saw LouCity set records for most home wins (16) and home goals (58) in a regular season.
“On behalf of everyone at Louisville City, I want to sincerely thank Danny for everything he has given to this club and our community,” said LouCity President James O’Connor. “Danny poured his heart into this team – first as an assistant and then as a head coach – and his impact is undeniable. Under his leadership we achieved tremendous success, winning trophies while continuing to build a roster that makes our city proud. I wish Danny and his family the very best for the future.
“At the same time, we have great confidence in Simon stepping into a new role. Simon has been an integral part of our organization for years, from his work developing players in our academy to his contributions with the first team. He understands what Louisville City stands for, he knows our players, and he has deep ties to this community. We’re excited to support him as he leads the group forward alongside Paolo.”
A native of Lincoln, England, Bird has been deeply rooted in Louisville’s soccer community. Bird joined the LouCity First Team as an assistant coach in 2021 after working as director of the LouCity Academy, and previously starred for the University of Louisville from 2001 to 2004, earning Conference USA Player of the Year in 2003.
The 42-year-old followed his collegiate career with a six-year professional career in England before returning as a University of Louisville Assistant Coach from 2009 to 2012. A USSF ‘A’ License holder, Bird also previously worked as Oldham Soccer Club’s Director of Coaching and Kentucky Fire Juniors Boys Director.
“I’m incredibly honored to assume this role,” said Bird. “Louisville means a great deal to my family and me, and I take great pride in wearing the LouCity badge. We have a fantastic group of players and staff here. I’m grateful for the trust the club has placed in me to maintain the high standards that have made this organization successful for so long.”
DelPiccolo entered coaching after an eight-season run as a LouCity midfielder. He captained the USL Championship’s most successful club for the final seven campaigns, lifting six trophies: two USL Championship titles (2017, 2018) and four Eastern Conference crowns (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022).
The 34-year-old continues to rank among City’s all-time leaders in minutes logged (15,397) and appearances (227). He also played collegiately at the University of Louisville, helping the Cardinals to their first-ever NCAA College Cup trip in 2010.
DelPiccolo assisted last year with LouCity’s First Team while also serving as the LouCity Academy’s director. He’ll transition to a full-time role on the pro side now. The Wheat Ridge, Colorado, native holds a USSF ‘B’ License and is currently pursuing his ‘A’ License.
Bird and DelPiccolo will continue to work alongside LouCity’s veteran goalkeepers coach, Scott Budnick, who joined the club in 2018.
