Auckland FC has announced that head coach Steve Corica will be departing the club to "pursue opportunities overseas." Corica's exit comes after two successful seasons, during which he led the team to two significant trophy wins.

Corica's Journey with Auckland FC

In a statement, Auckland FC expressed gratitude for Corica's contributions, stating, "after two incredible seasons, and two amazing trophy wins, head coach Steve Corica has decided to leave Auckland FC to pursue opportunities overseas." Corica himself reflected on his time with the club, thanking fans and the Auckland community for their support. He noted, "It has been a fantastic two years with a city, a fan group and a team that have all been way beyond my expectations."

Corica joined Auckland FC in January 2024 as the club's inaugural head coach. Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, winning the 24/25 Premiers and the 25/26 Champions titles. He recalled the journey, stating, "We started with nothing. Then year one we’re Premiers, winning the first piece of A-League silverware for any Kiwi club, and then year two we’re riding a bus down the middle of Queen Street parading the Championship Trophy."

Future Prospects and Farewell

As Auckland FC prepares for Corica's departure, the search for a new head coach will be led by director of football Terry McFlynn. Majority owner Bill Foley praised Corica's experience and understanding of the A-League, stating, "Right from the start, we wanted to set Auckland FC up with the best coach in the A-League, and Steve was the obvious candidate." Foley emphasized Corica's commitment to building a competitive team and fostering young talent.

Corica's impact on the club and its supporters will be lasting, with Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker noting that fans will always hold a special place in their hearts for him. The club wishes Corica the best in his future endeavors, affirming that he will always be welcome back at Auckland FC.