FIU head coach Jonathan Garbar resigns to join Mississippi State staff

MIAMI – Following a championship and record-breaking campaign leading the Panthers, Jonathan Garbar announced his resignation as head coach of the Florida International University women’s soccer program and has formally accepted the position of associate head coach at Mississippi State.

Garbar was honored as the 2024 CUSA Coach of the Year, leading FIU to both a Conference USA Regular Season and Tournament Championship.

Under Garbar’s direction, the Panthers advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011 last season.

Garbar, who recently completing his fifth year leading the Panthers, won 11 games during the 2024 regular season and went 6-1-1 in conference play. The program’s 13 victories in the 2024 campaign are the most for the program since 2011.

“The time has come for me to move on from one of my life’s greatest privileges and transformational experiences,” Coach Garbar said. “What we have achieved in these past four years together exceeds words or reason. It’s easy to identify the facts. First in the nation in RPI growth, winning trophies, all of the awards.  However, what can’t be seen, but only be felt, was the trust and love that was developed between the people inside our locker room. That is what I will miss most and I am most proud of. We built an elite program and did it our way. I thank Scott Carr and his administration for providing me with this special opportunity and wish the best for FIU Athletics. I thank my fellow colleagues, the incredible coaches that Panther Nation is fortunate to have leading their programs. Finally, I am forever grateful to the people inside our locker room. My loyal staff and heroic players. I love you. Together…always.”

Garbar has steadily improved the Panthers since arriving in 2021. In a five-year span, he helped guide a turnaround from three wins in his first season to eight wins in 2023 and 13 wins and a CUSA Championship in 2024.

Additionally, Garbar was the first coach in program history to be named CUSA Coach of the Year.

“I want to thank Coach Garbar for his time at FIU and for elevating our women’s soccer program to a championship level,” FIU Athletic Director Scott Carr said. “He left the program better than when he inherited it, and for that we are especially grateful. I have no doubt that he will continue to have success in his new role at Mississippi State, and we wish him nothing but the best.”

A national search for a new FIU women’s soccer head coach is underway.