- - NC Courage hire head coach from Sweden, signaling new era in NWSL

Mitchell Northam, USA TODAYJanuary 24, 2026 at 11:01 PM

0

The North Carolina Courage have found their next head coach.

Mak Lind has been hired to lead the NWSL club based in Cary, N.C., the team announced Saturday morning. The 37-year-old will be the third head coach in the Courage’s history and comes to the NWSL after spending two seasons coaching Swedish side BK Häcken.

Lind arrived in North Carolina earlier this week and begins his tenure immediately.

“I am extremely excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the next head coach of the North Carolina Courage. This is a club with an incredible history and a clear expectation to compete for trophies,” Lind said in a statement. “I’m very aligned with the system and style of play already in place and look forward to continuing to evolve it alongside the players and staff. I can’t wait to get started and for my family and me to fully immerse ourselves in this community.”

Lind has been coaching since 2016, primarily across different divisions in Sweden. Under his direction, BK Häcken twice qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League and made the quarterfinals in 2024 where it lost to Paris Saint-Germain. This past season, BK Häcken won its league title with a 21-1-4 record and a +68 goal differential.

As a player, Lind also featured for several clubs in Sweden, including BK Häcken’s men’s side. A centerback, he earned 10 caps with his national team, Lebanon.

BK Häcken announced Lind’s resignation on Dec. 4 and said in a statement that it had “agreed with another club on a transfer” for his services. They replaced him with Elena Sadiku, who previously coached with Celtic FC.

“It's really mixed feelings, and I don't know if I've landed emotionally yet,” Lind said in the Swedish club’s news release. “We have created something unique, where relationships are absolutely crucial. As a leader, you want to develop your surroundings and see them grow. And I think we have succeeded in that — developing players in our environment at BK Häcken. For my part, I feel that I have become a much more skilled coach, both in football but above all in leadership.”

Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.

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Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.

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Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.

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Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.

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Houston Dash: $86 million.Owner: Ted Segal. Revenue: $8 million.

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Houston Dash: $86 million.Owner: Ted Segal. Revenue: $8 million.

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Houston Dash: $86 million.Owner: Ted Segal. Revenue: $8 million.

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Houston Dash: $86 million.Owner: Ted Segal. Revenue: $8 million.

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Owner: John Neace. Revenue: $8 million.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>12. Racing Louisville FC: $88 million.

Owner: John Neace. Revenue: $8 million.

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12. Racing Louisville FC: $88 million.

Owner: John Neace. Revenue: $8 million.

">12. Racing Louisville FC: $88 million.

Owner: John Neace. Revenue: $8 million.

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Owner: Steve Malik. Revenue: $8 million.

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11. North Carolina Courage: $90 million.

Owner: Steve Malik. Revenue: $8 million.

">11. North Carolina Courage: $90 million.

Owner: Steve Malik. Revenue: $8 million.

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Owner: Mark Wilf. Revenue: $8 million.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>10. Orlando Pride: $92 million.

Owner: Mark Wilf. Revenue: $8 million.

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10. Orlando Pride: $92 million.

Owner: Mark Wilf. Revenue: $8 million.

">10. Orlando Pride: $92 million.

Owner: Mark Wilf. Revenue: $8 million.

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Utah Royals: $95 million.Owner: Gail Miller. Revenue: $8 million.

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Utah Royals: $95 million.Owner: Gail Miller. Revenue: $8 million.

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Utah Royals: $95 million.Owner: Gail Miller. Revenue: $8 million.

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Utah Royals: $95 million.Owner: Gail Miller. Revenue: $8 million.

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Seattle Reign FC: $105 million.Owners: Carlyle, Adrian Hanauer. Revenue: $10 million.

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Seattle Reign FC: $105 million.Owners: Carlyle, Adrian Hanauer. Revenue: $10 million.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QvrKIYflN.orHHaSIoyfqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a85f74ae19e689c8304ea09a0e2d387d class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -

Seattle Reign FC: $105 million.Owners: Carlyle, Adrian Hanauer. Revenue: $10 million.

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Seattle Reign FC: $105 million.Owners: Carlyle, Adrian Hanauer. Revenue: $10 million.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QvrKIYflN.orHHaSIoyfqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a85f74ae19e689c8304ea09a0e2d387d class=caas-img>7. NJ/NY Gotham FC: $110 million.

Owner: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. Revenue: $9 million.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/U1Z5mSIIVMLXqtj4q6VOiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f1b0af97a0f7d590f2e3bf1ad305b7bb class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="

7. NJ/NY Gotham FC: $110 million.

Owner: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. Revenue: $9 million.

">7. NJ/NY Gotham FC: $110 million.

Owner: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. Revenue: $9 million.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/U1Z5mSIIVMLXqtj4q6VOiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f1b0af97a0f7d590f2e3bf1ad305b7bb class=caas-img>6. Portland Thorns FC: $120 million

Owners: Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Revenue: $17 million.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xam4AVtLnMzrE_pDtDxo9w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d44e4507f162b49f28366e2a78156bca class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="

6. Portland Thorns FC: $120 million

Owners: Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Revenue: $17 million.

">6. Portland Thorns FC: $120 million

Owners: Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Revenue: $17 million.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xam4AVtLnMzrE_pDtDxo9w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d44e4507f162b49f28366e2a78156bca class=caas-img>5. Washington Spirit: $130 million.

Owner: Michele Kang. Revenue: $15 million.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OEcqIqNXL1__fmIq_rtt0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f7fd9927b175a32a15ddd239a4d35688 class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="

5. Washington Spirit: $130 million.

Owner: Michele Kang. Revenue: $15 million.

">5. Washington Spirit: $130 million.

Owner: Michele Kang. Revenue: $15 million.

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San Diego Wave FC: $165 million.

Owner: Lauren Leichtman. Revenue: $24 million.

" style=padding-bottom:56%> -

San Diego Wave FC: $165 million.

Owner: Lauren Leichtman. Revenue: $24 million.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NLDQFRTviWZ4jK_U9y0uYg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6ab1a141a09eb577838f5f42c61233c2 class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -

San Diego Wave FC: $165 million.

Owner: Lauren Leichtman. Revenue: $24 million.

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San Diego Wave FC: $165 million.

Owner: Lauren Leichtman. Revenue: $24 million.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NLDQFRTviWZ4jK_U9y0uYg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6ab1a141a09eb577838f5f42c61233c2 class=caas-img> -

Bay FC: $170 million.Owner: Sixth Street. Revenue: $21 million.

" style=padding-bottom:56%> -

Bay FC: $170 million.Owner: Sixth Street. Revenue: $21 million.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lBgakUg2lU3jsH9ObeAb2g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1f565635386d7261c3f672497e72732b class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption=" -

Bay FC: $170 million.Owner: Sixth Street. Revenue: $21 million.

"> -

Bay FC: $170 million.Owner: Sixth Street. Revenue: $21 million.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lBgakUg2lU3jsH9ObeAb2g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1f565635386d7261c3f672497e72732b class=caas-img>2. Kansas City Current: $275 million.

Owners: Angie and Chris Long. Revenue: $36 million.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/764EeBW41Mtn2I0VJQKgRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9844c71e5daa2ee2dc565d1e586e944f class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="

2. Kansas City Current: $275 million.

Owners: Angie and Chris Long. Revenue: $36 million.

">2. Kansas City Current: $275 million.

Owners: Angie and Chris Long. Revenue: $36 million.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/764EeBW41Mtn2I0VJQKgRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9844c71e5daa2ee2dc565d1e586e944f class=caas-img>1. Angel City FC: $280 million.

Owners: Willow Bay and Bob Iger. Revenue: $35 million.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dTqXPDBMi7eUb1h9rklxxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57f114709f19063487f31e8c3eb69fc4 class=caas-img data-headline="See which club is the NWSL's most valuable" data-caption="

1. Angel City FC: $280 million.

Owners: Willow Bay and Bob Iger. Revenue: $35 million.

">1. Angel City FC: $280 million.

Owners: Willow Bay and Bob Iger. Revenue: $35 million.

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1 / 14See which club is the NWSL's most valuable -

Chicago Stars FC: $70 million.Owner: Laura Ricketts. Revenue: $5 million.

Lind’s hiring represents a clear break for the Courage from the tenure of Paul Riley, who coached the Courage to two NWSL championships in 2018 and 2019 before he was fired in 2021 following a lengthy investigative report where multiple former players accused him of sexual coercion and other instances of sexual misconduct. A joint investigation by the NWSL and NWSLPA confirmed these allegations and that they continued while he was the head coach of the Courage.

The two coaches that led the club after Riley served on his staff. Sean Nahas worked under Riley for five seasons with the Courage and became the head coach after he was fired. Nahas remained as the club’s skipper until last August and he was succeeded on an interim basis by Nathan Thackeray, who had been the Courage’s goalkeepers coach since 2017.

Thackeray was not retained by the Courage. Earlier this week, he was hired as the head coach of Dallas Trinity FC, a club in the USL Super League.

Under Nahas and then Thackeray last season, the Courage missed the playoff cut line by one spot, finishing ninth in the NWSL standings with a 9-9-8 record and a -2 goal differential.

Judging by his comments in the release regarding his resignation from BK Häcken, the Courage could be getting a coach who will want to emphasize attacking.

“I'm kind of obsessed with scoring goals and how we're going to score goals,” Lind said.

The Courage recently added some offensive firepower, signing Swedish striker Evelyn Ijeh on a transfer from AC Milan. Ijeh, a 24-year-old with three caps for the Swedish senior national team, is signed with the Courage through 2029. In the 2024-25 season, she finished third in the Serie A’s Golden Boot race with 12 goals in 29 games.

Ijeh previously played for BK Häcken in 2021, but her time there did not intersect with Lind’s tenure as head coach.

"Evelyn is a dynamic attacking player who brings pace, physicality, and a real presence in the final third," said Ceri Bowley, chief soccer officer for the Courage. "She fits our game model well — aggressive in transition, committed in the press, and dangerous attacking space behind the defense."

This new era for the Courage begins on March 14 when they host Racing Louisville at WakeMed Soccer Park to open the 2026 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NC Courage hire Mak Lind from Sweden as next coach of NWSL club

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