Darren Back

Currently

Darren Back is the Head Coach of the Portland Timbers U18 Academy. Since joining the organization in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in developing young talent. For the 2024-2025 season, he continues to lead the U18 team, emphasizing technical and tactical progression. Darren holds USSF “A” and UEFA “B” coaching licenses.

Professional Career

Originally from England, Darren has extensive experience in youth development across the United States. Before joining the Portland Timbers, he spent three years as the Academy Head Coach at Philadelphia Union (2016-2019), where he worked with elite youth players. Prior to that, he served as Academy Head Coach and Youth Program Manager for the Houston Dynamo (2013-2016), enhancing youth programs and laying the groundwork for future player success.
With over a decade of experience in high-performance academies, Darren combines technical and tactical coaching expertise with a strategic approach to youth football development.