FC Cincinnati boss Pat Noonan named Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year after leading squad to Supporters' Shield

Commissioner Don Garber posted on social media that Noonan's 'exceptional leadership' was one of many reasons as to why he was handed the award. However, the voters - which consist of currently active players, selected media members and Front Office/Technical Staff of the clubs - were in agreement, with Noonan being handed 45 percent of the total votes.

Cincinnati have literally started from the bottom and made their way to the top. From 2019-2021 they finished dead-last in the league standings, but once Noonan was handed the reigns in 2021, their fortunes started to change. He turned centerback Matt Miazga into the MLS Defender of the Year, and has his midfield maestro Lucho Acosta leading the way in the MVP race now, too. Heavy favorites for winning MLS Cup this season, FC Cincy have undergone a complete makeover under Noonan, and for the better.

This is the fourth-straight year that an Eastern Conference head coach has earned the award and the first time that a Cincy boss has claimed it as well.

The Eastern Conference side's season is not over yet, with the MLS Conference semifinals set to take place this weekend. Cincy and MVP candidate Lucho Acosta take on 2022 finalists Philadelphia Union in a winner-take-all game, with both extra-time and penalties alive if needed. Noonan's squad advanced after knocking out Red Bull New York in Round One.