Champion Coach Emily Husband Exits Central Coast Mariners Following Historic Title Triumph

GOSFORD, Australia  — The Central Coast Mariners announced Monday the departure of Emily Husband, their A-League Women’s championship-winning head coach, who will leave the club to pursue an undisclosed career opportunity. Husband’s exit comes just weeks after she guided the Mariners to their first-ever A-League Women’s title in the 2024-25 season, capping a remarkable two-year tenure that reshaped the club’s trajectory.

From Rebuild to Championship Glory

Husband, 36, arrived at the Mariners in 2023 from Sydney University in NPL NSW, tasked with constructing a competitive squad from scratch. Her immediate impact was evident:

• 2023-24 Season: Led the team to a fifth-place finish and a semifinal appearance in her debut campaign.

• 2024-25 Season: Guided the Mariners to fourth place in the regular season before engineering a stunning playoff run:

  • Elimination Final: Defeated Canberra United in a tense knockout clash.

  • Semifinals: Overcame previously unbeaten Premiers Melbourne City across two legs.

  • Grand Final: Secured the championship via a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Melbourne Victory.

With the triumph, Husband became only the fourth female coach to win an A-League Women’s championship, joining an elite group that includes Melbourne City’s Rado Vidošić and Sydney FC’s Ante Juric.

Club and Player Tributes

In an emotional farewell statement, Husband expressed gratitude to the Mariners’ community:

*”I owe this club everything. To the players, staff, and fans—you believed in me when this was just a project. To see 1,000-2,000 fans packing our stands when we started with none… that’s what makes football special.”*

Mariners CEO Greg Brownlow praised Husband’s transformative influence:

“Emily’s legacy isn’t just trophies—it’s a culture of excellence. She mentored players, inspired staff, and connected with fans. While we’re saddened by her departure, we’re excited for her next chapter.”

What’s Next for the Mariners?

The club confirmed an immediate global search for Husband’s successor, emphasizing the need for a coach who aligns with their “attacking identity and community ethos.” Early candidates reportedly include:

• Current A-League Women’s assistants with head coaching experience.

• Overseas managers with a track record in women’s football development.

Speculation on Husband’s Future

While the Mariners did not disclose Husband’s destination, sources suggest:

• European interest: Clubs in England’s Women’s Super League (WSL) and Sweden’s Damallsvenskan have monitored her progress.

• NWSL possibilities: Expansion sides could value her proven ability to build a squad.