Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has promoted Paul Killian to Philadelphia Union Academy Director.
In his new role, Killian will oversee the Union Academy, leading the club’s efforts to identify, develop, and advance top young talent through the Philadelphia Union pipeline. Killian previously served as Head of Scouting, Academy, and Professional Development, leading scouting and academy operations, and strengthening the club’s talent identification and player development processes.
“Paul has established himself as a highly respected leader within our academy and has played an important role in strengthening our player development pathway,” said Union Sporting Director, Jon Scheer. “His experience in talent identification, coaching, and player development, combined with his commitment to our values and long-term vision as a club, makes him the right person to lead the next phase of our academy. We’re confident that he will continue to strengthen our infrastructure and help develop the next generation of Philadelphia Union players.”
Prior to joining the Union, Killian served as an assistant coach at UCLA, helping the program win the 2023 PAC-12 Championship. He also spent nearly five years at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he served as associate head coach and played a key role in recruiting and player development. Killian began his coaching career with Baltimore Armour in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. A former standout goalkeeper at Stevens Institute of Technology, Killian was a three-year starter from 2011 to 2013, posting a 50-8-3 record with 25 shutouts while earning First Team All-American and National Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
The Philadelphia Union Academy remains one of Major League Soccer’s top development pipelines, producing Homegrown players and professionals across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and Europe.
