The exit of Eric Ramsay as Minnesota United’s head coach became official Sunday, and the Loons drew closer to naming current assistant coach Cam Knowles as his successor, a source told the Pioneer Press.
Ramsay leaves United to become the next head coach at West Bromwich Albion in the English second division. Since he was under contract for the 2026 MLS season, West Brom will need to compensate MNUFC for his services. Those terms have not yet been disclosed.
Knowles has been considered a frontrunner since Ramsay’s move to England developed late last week. The club said in a news release Sunday that it is “currently in the final stages of selecting its next head coach and will have more to share in the coming days.”
Knowles was the Loons’ interim head coach at the start of the 2024 season, when Ramsay was finishing up his time at Manchester United. Knowles shepherded the team through the first three games of that campaign, going 2-0-1.
Knowles then became an assistant for Ramsay for the past two seasons. Before that, the New Zealand native was the head coach of MNUFC2, the team’s developmental team in MLS Next Pro in 2022-23, with a record of 19-20-13. He previously spent nine years with the Portland Timbers.
Ramsay capped a highly successful two seasons with the Loons, including three semifinal appearances: the 2025 and ’24 Western Conference semifinals and 2025 U.S. Open Cup semi. Last season, the Loons set a club record with 58 points in a 34-game season.
“I’ll look back with nothing but fond memories and real pride in what we achieved together,” Ramsay said in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege of working with an outstanding staff and a talented group of players who have been honest, professional, and committed, all backed by the tremendous support of the Loons’ fanbase.”
Ramsay, who was the youngest head coach in MLS, has been routinely linked to other open positions during his time in Minnesota.
“From day one, we have supported Eric’s professional ambitions,” Loons Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad said in a statement. “We wish him nothing but success as he takes on this next opportunity. We are confident in the foundation in place and will continue to build with purpose and continuity moving forward.”
Loons assistant coach Dennis Lawrence will join Ramsay at West Brom.
The Loons’ first preseason training session will be Monday in Blaine and they will head to Irvine, Calif., for prep from Thursday to Jan. 24. MNUFC’s first game is Feb. 21 at Austin FC.
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