As AC Grand Rapids builds up to the 2027 debut season, we are thrilled to welcome Jordan Ferrell as an assistant coach. He immediately joins newly appointed Head Coach Erik Bushey’s staff.
Ferrell brings a wealth of professional coaching and front-office experience to ACGR. He most recently served as the Technical Director for the USL Championship’s Oakland Roots SC, where he also served as the club’s head coach and top assistant at various points.
“Jordan’s deep knowledge of the American soccer landscape and passion for player development make him the perfect addition to Erik Bushey’s staff,” said B.J. Snow, AC Grand Rapids VP of Sporting Operations & Strategy. “We are building something special here in a very intentional and strategic way, and it was very important that whomever we hired aligned with our mission to build a sporting culture that reflects and represents our community. Jordan ticks all the boxes.”
“I’m truly excited to be joining AC Grand Rapids and have the chance to help B.J. and Erik develop a team and a culture that makes the community proud on and off the field,” Ferrell said. “This is a unique opportunity to help build a team from scratch, which means we can build it the right way right from the first kick. I can’t wait to get going.”
A native of Stockton, California, Ferrell boasts an extensive background in developing young talent. After starring on the field for Cal State East Bay and spending time with lower league German clubs Quelle Fürth and SpVgg Ansbach, he transitioned into coaching.
Ferrell’s first technical role was with SpVgg Ansbach’s youth setup, where he was an assistant with the U-17 team for a year before returning to his hometown and coaching roles at San Joaquin Delta College and University of the Pacific.
In 2017, he shifted from the collegiate ranks to a professional club setup, growing within the academy of USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC to eventually become head coach for the U-17 and U-19 sides.”
In 2019, Ferrell departed Republic to join Oakland Roots SC. He initially served as an assistant coach on the inaugural coaching staff before serving as head coach for the 2021 season and being named technical director later that year.
During his time in Oakland, Ferrell oversaw the founding of Project 510, the club’s talent development program designed to prepare local players for the collegiate and professional levels. He also helped establish the club’s women’s team, Oakland Soul SC.
Off the field, he earned plaudits for creating a positive sporting culture and was involved in the Roots’ commitment to the Common Goal initiative, which pledged 1% of salaries to organizations that combat inequality and injustice through the sport of soccer.
AC Grand Rapids will make its debut in the 2027 MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season, kicking off in February. The home opener at Amway Stadium will take place on March 19, 2027.
Fans can place season ticket deposits until Friday, October 16, at 5:00 PM when the deposit window will close. Get full season ticket membership details, including seat map and pricing, and make deposits at acgrandrapids.com/tickets.
