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Charlotte FC coaching search down to final four candidates

List includes a pair of former English Premier League managers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte FC's search for a new head coach is down to a list of four finalists.

An MLS source confirms to WCNC Charlotte that Frank Lampard, Dean Smith, Freddy Juarez and Robin Fraser.

Lampard, 45, is a former star for Chelsea, who ended his career in MLS playing for NYC FC. Lampard has coached Derby County, Chelsea and Everton.

His overall record is 81 wins, 44 draws, 71 losses. 

Most recently, Lampard was fired by Everton less than a year into the job, going 12-8-24.

Smith, 52, is also a former English footballer, who has managed multiple levels of the English football system, including Leicester City, Norwich City and Aston Villa.

His overall managerial record is 213 wins, 174 draws and 218 losses.

Smith left Leicester City in June after the club was relegated to the EFL Championship.

Juarez is a 45-year-old former USL player, who previously managed MLS side Real Salt Lake to a record of 18 wins, 14 draws, 23 losses from 2019-21.

Most recently, Juarez has been an assistant for the Seattle Sounders.

Fraser, 56, is a former MLS All-Star who was recently fired as manager of the Colorado Rapids after posting a 47-48-34 record from 2019-23.

Charlotte FC will enter its third season with its third-ever full-time manager after firing Christian Lattanzio in November despite the club's first-ever playoff appearance.

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