By the numbers: Ronny Deila's managerial career and history of lifting trophies

Atlanta United's second major vacancy has been filled. The club announced Friday, Dec. 20 that Ronny Deila, the Norwegian manager with previous experience in MLS, was named Atlanta United's next head coach.

Club president & CEO Garth Lagerwey sought proven winners for the two positions open this winter -- sporting director and head coach. He found that with his first major hire, Chris Henderson, who was introduced this week as the club's chief soccer officer & sporting director. Now, with the addition of Deila, Atlanta United's leadership has added the enormous experience and winning pedigree that Lagerwey wanted.

Like Henderson, Deila is a proven winner. Here are a few numbers to prove it:

17

Deila brings with him to Atlanta a wealth of experience. He's served as a head coach for 17 years at various organizations across multiple countries. Most recently, Deila served as head coach of Al-Wahda of the United Arab Emirates Pro League where he had a record of 5-2-3. Prior to that, he was the head coach of Club Brugge in Belgium’s top division.

This is the second time this week that the number 17 has shown up on a By The Numbers piece this week. Incidentally, Henderson has the same amount of experience. (Not to mention, it's a number with special significance at Atlanta United.)

Ronny Deila's Head Coaching Career:

• Brodd (2005)
• Strømsgodset (2008-14)
• Celtic (2014-16)
• Vålerenga (2017-20)
• New York City FC (2020-22)
• Standard Liège (2022-23)
• Clubb Brugge (2023-24)
• Al Wahda (2024)

6

At his end of year press conference, Lagerwey said the finalists for the head coaching position were all proven winners. In 17 years as a head coach, Deila has won six trophies. And he's done so across different countries and leagues, from American soccer to the Scottish Premiership. The 49-year-old has proven to be extremely adaptable and knowledgeable. He knows how to win.

2021

This isn't Deila's first stint coaching in Major League Soccer. Previously, he led New York City FC for two and a half seasons. In his first season as head coach, the club finished fifth place in the conference and qualified for the playoffs. The team's best performance came in 2021. NYCFC finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and went on to win the MLS Cup. During his time in New York, Deila recorded a 46-29-15 (W-L-D) record.

Ronny Deila's Honors and Trophies as a Head Coach:

• Norwegian Football Cup (2010)
• Kniksen Coach of the Year (2013)
• Tippeligaen Champion (2013)
• 2x Scottish Premiership Champion (2014-15, 2015-16)
• Scottish League Cup Champion (2014-15)
• Eastern Conference Champion (2021)
• MLS Cup Champion (2021)

20

Before he began coaching, Deila had a long playing career. Over 20 years playing mostly center back, he made 352 professional appearances and scored 32 goals. Deila finished his playing career at Sparta Bragerøen where, interestingly enough, he simultaneously served the role as head coach.

12

Of those 20 years, Deila played 12 seasons at Odds Ballklub. The club, commonly referred to as Odd, is one of the oldest in Norway, Deila's native country. Deila made 240 appearances for Odd and scored 22 goals.

Ronny Deila's Senior Playing Career:

• Urædd (1992-93)
• Odds Ballklubb (1993-2004)
• Viking (2004-05)
• Strømsgodset (2006-08)
• Sparta Bragerøen (2009-11)

34

Deila's hire is an important one. It completes the two leadership vacancies that Atlanta United had going into the 2025 MLS season. The first was sporting director, which was filled on Monday. Chris Henderson was announced as the club's chief soccer officer and sporting director. Now, the announcement of Deila not only bookends a week of announcements but also solidifies two important positions, not leaving any questions unanswered as we turn over a new year.

Combined, Deila and Henderson bring 34 years of leadership experience. Together, they'll use their knowledge and expertise to evaluate Atlanta's existing roster and add pieces that will help Atlanta compete for trophies on a consistent basis. Lagerwey's vision is beginning to come to fruition -- just in time for 2025.