Frank Yallop Named Head Coach of McKinney Chupacabras FC
Chupacabras Hire Hall of Fame Coach, Former MLS Player Frank Yallop
McKinney Chupacabras FC announced on Tuesday the hiring of Frank Yallop as head coach ahead of the 2026 USL League Two season.
The club turns to one of the most accomplished figures in North American soccer as it enters its second season. Yallop brings more than four decades of experience as a player and coach, including multiple championships and over 20 years in management.
Yallop began his professional playing career in 1983 with Ipswich Town FC, where he spent 13 seasons as a defender. He was named Player of the Year in 1987–88 and was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
He later moved to Major League Soccer, joining the Tampa Bay Mutiny in the league’s inaugural era (1996–1998), where he served as captain. Internationally, Yallop earned 52 caps for Canada, appearing in 27 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.
Yallop transitioned into coaching in 2001 with the San Jose Earthquakes, becoming the first former MLS player to serve as a head coach in the league. In his first season, he led San Jose to an MLS Cup title and earned MLS Coach of the Year honors. He added a second MLS Cup in 2003 and later guided the club to a Supporters’ Shield in 2012, finishing as the winningest coach in franchise history.
His MLS coaching career also included stints with the LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire. Following MLS, Yallop spent time in the USL Championship, including roles with Fresno FC and Monterey Bay FC, where he served in both coaching and executive positions.
Across his career, Yallop holds a coaching record of 218-238-152 and is a two-time MLS Coach of the Year and member of multiple club halls of fame.
Chupacabras owner Michael Hitchcock described the hire as a defining moment for the club.
“We’re thrilled to welcome one of the most accomplished coaches in Major League Soccer history to the city of McKinney,” Hitchcock said. “His experience will play a critical role as we continue building the Chupacabras in our second USL League Two season.”
Sporting Director Ed Puskarich emphasized both Yallop’s pedigree and character.
“Yallop’s professional success speaks for itself,” Puskarich said. “Beyond his achievements on the field, he is an even better person off the field.”
Yallop pointed to the club’s trajectory and community support as key factors in his decision.
“The club already has tremendous fan support,” Yallop said. “The work the entire staff has done in such a short time is impressive. I’m looking forward to joining the club and building an exciting 2026 season.”
Written by Grayson Pitts
Edited by Elliott Stockdale