Bob Thompson named Boston College men’s soccer head coach, removing interim title

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Bob Thompson was named the head men’s soccer coach at Boston College, removing the interim title, as announced today by William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond.

“We saw immediately the positive impact Bob had on our soccer program last season when he became interim head coach,” said Jarmond. “We are thrilled to have Bob lead our men’s soccer program. As a former student-athlete here at BC, he knows first-hand the heights men’s soccer can achieve and we look forward to watching the program under his leadership.”

Thompson, a native of Framingham, Mass., was promoted to the head coach after serving two seasons as the associate head coach.

“First I want to thank my wife, Emily, for her incredible support and for sharing this amazing journey with me,” said Thompson. “I would like to thank Martin Jarmond, Vaughn Williams, and David Ayer, along with the rest of the search committee for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I want to thank Coach Kelly for bringing me to Boston College as a student-athlete exactly 20 years ago this past fall as well as for giving me the great chance to return as a coach.  BC provided me with a world class education, incredible success on the field as an athlete, and lifelong friendships that I will be forever grateful for.  As head coach, I see this as an opportunity for me to give back to Boston College by leading this special program and our incredible student-athletes into a bright future.”

A 2003 Boston College graduate, Thompson played three seasons of professional soccer following college, including two seasons in MLS with the New England Revolution.
Thompson began his coaching career at Northeastern University in 2007, where he helped guide the Huskies to three consecutive conference tournament berths, including two conference finals appearances.

He then spent two seasons as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Tufts University where he played a major role in a historic turnaround. In 2011, after only two seasons, the Jumbos jumped from a record of 2-10-2 the season prior to Thompson’s arrival, to a record of 9-3-2 and a National ranking of as high as 14th.

After Tufts, Thompson returned to his alma mater – Boston College – to serve as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. In 2012, Thompson helped guide the Eagles to an NSCAA National Ranking of as high as No. 18 in the nation as BC advanced to both the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.  The 2012 season also saw two players from the senior class drafted in the first round of the MLS. Kyle Bekker selected third overall by Toronto FC, while Charlie Rugg was drafted 18th overall by the LA Galaxy.
Thompson helped bring in two very talented classes in 2013 and 2014, highlighted by Zeiko Lewis, who was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 2013. Lewis’ stellar career culminated in him being named an NSCAA All-American as a senior and being drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLS Super Draft. Thompson’s two recruiting classes also played a major role in the team’s run to the NCAA Elite 8 in 2015.

In 2014, Thompson took an assistant coach position at UMass Lowell and was elevated to associate head coach. While at Lowell, Thompson helped guide the men’s soccer program from 192 in the National Ranking to as high as No. 3 in the NCAA RPI and No. 11 in the NSCAA Poll in 2016.  The River Hawks finished the season with a 13-1-2 record, the best in program history, and were crowned America East Conference Champions.

The 2016 season also saw the team honored with a number of awards including America East Coaching Staff of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Striker of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Thompson and the River Hawks coaching staff were also named NSCAA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. The team saw three players named to the NSCAA All-Region team and one player, Wuilito Fernandes, named as​ ​First Team All-American and selected in the 2017 MLS Draft.

Thompson, who played for the Eagles from 1999-2002, helped the program to two Big East championships, three NCAA Tournament appearances, an NCAA Elite 8 appearance and the still-school record 18-win season in 2002.

As a player, Thompson ranks among the BC greats as he was named as an NSCAA Honorable Mention All-American his senior year and was twice named Big East Tournament MVP in 2000 and 2002.

Thompson finished his career at Boston College in the top 10 in school history in a number of categories, and his teams finished with two Big East Championships, one Big East Regular Season Championship, three NCAA Appearances, an NCAA Elite 8 Appearance, and the most wins in school history with 18.
Thompson holds a UEFA B coaching license with the Irish Football Federation, and holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

He resides in Berlin, Mass. with his wife Emily, and his two children, William and Anna.

Year                       ​ ​School                                Title
2020                       Boston College                  ​   ​Head Coach
2018-19         ​   ​ ​     ​Boston College                 ​   ​Assoc. Head Coach
2014-18              ​   ​ UMass Lowell                   ​ ​  Assistant Coach/Assoc. Head Coach
2012-14              ​   ​ Boston College                  ​  ​Assistant Coach
2010-11               ​   ​Tufts                                     ​Assistant Coach
2007-10               ​   ​Northeastern                     ​  ​Assistant Coach