On Monday morning, August 27, Greenville Triumph SC announced John Harkes as the first head coach in team history.

Yeah, THAT John Harkes.

Harkes is a marquee name for both the team and the league and brings immediate national attention to the soccer scene in Greenville. He is a decorated former player at both the club and international level. He made 90 appearances over 13 years for the U.S. Men’s National Team, and his club career included stops at Albany Capitals, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, West Ham United, DC United, Nottingham Forest, New England Revolution and Columbus Crew.

After retiring from his playing career, Harkes had a stint as a color commentator for ESPN’s soccer coverage, including the 2010 World Cup. He spent some time as an assistant coach with the New York Red Bulls under former coach Bruce Arena.

Harkes’ first head coaching gig came as the inaugural gaffer for FC Cincinnati. In their first season, he led them to a third place finish and helped build a solid fan base that consistently draws 20,000+ at their matches. In many ways, Harkes helped build the culture that allowed Cincinnati to be awarded MLS expansion team status.

John and his wife Cindi are parents to three up-and-coming soccer players in the professional and collegiate ranks. Their son, Ian, was the 2016 Hermann Trophy winner as the best male collegiate soccer player. He now plays for DC United. Their oldest daughter Lauren is a Junior (RS) at Clemson and was named a captain for the 2018 season. Their youngest, Lily, is a freshman at Elon University.

With this hire, the Triumph are certainly looking to make a splash, not only in their league, but also in the greater soccer landscape in this country. The notoriety and legitimacy that this hire brings to this team makes this move a no-brainer in so many ways.

Plus, how could you not get excited about a guy who once rocked a mullet as beautiful as this:

Still in shock at this … it’s quite a move for a D3 side and shows a clear statement of intent from the Triumph ownership.

Welcome to Greenville, John. Go make us champions!