At the Center of the Pathway: José Silva and Atlanta United 2’s Role in Development
- Jason Longshore
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
When Atlanta United 2 opens the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, it will do so under a familiar voice, a familiar philosophy, and a coach who has lived nearly every step of the club’s developmental pathway.
José Silva’s promotion from interim to permanent head coach is a continuation of the strong finish the team had in 2025 with hopes that it's even better in 2026.
“It’s a big responsibility. Now we have to continue taking care of the talent that this city has and represent Atlanta United in the best way.”
Silva officially takes over the role after serving as interim head coach following Steve Cooke’s departure in July. Under his guidance, Atlanta United 2 surged late in the season, finishing with 38 points, the highest total in club history, and playing meaningful matches down to the final day where a shootout loss in Chattanooga kept the 2's from their first postseason.
That late push reflected both the competitive and developmental demands of the role Silva now permanently occupies.
From the Academy to the Center of the Pipeline
Silva has been with Atlanta United since 2021, first as head coach of the U19 Academy team. His work there produced immediate success, including a UPSL Premier Division championship and back-to-back UPSL Georgia Coach of the Year honors.
In 2023, he moved into the professional environment as an assistant coach with Atlanta United 2. By mid-2025, he was asked to guide the group through a transitional moment, a moment that ultimately highlighted his ability to balance development with results.
“We have to develop, but at the same time we need to teach these kids how to win games.”
Atlanta United 2 earned MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Matchweek honors twice during Silva’s interim run. More importantly, the group played matches with playoff stakes, experiences Silva views as essential preparation for higher levels.
A Shared Language Across the Club
Silva’s role sits at the heart of Atlanta United’s interconnected structure. He reports to Director of Methodology Javier Pérez and works closely with Sporting Director Chris Henderson and First Team head coach Tata Martino.
That alignment, Silva believes, creates clarity for players moving up the pathway.
The second team is designed to mirror the First Team stylistically in general. Silva wants the team to be proactive with the ball, aggressive without it, and committed to defending high up the field.
“A team that wants to play in the opponent’s half. A team that defends forward and tries to win the ball back quickly.”
That identity became increasingly clear during the final months of the 2025 season, when Atlanta United 2 paired attacking intent with improved defensive organization and game control.
Development Beyond Technique
For Silva, player development is not defined solely by physical or technical traits. Being holistic will serve players well when they make the jump into the first team environment.
“The main difference isn’t just tempo. It’s how fast you can read the game and already think about the next action before the first one even starts.”
That tactical intelligence has shown itself in the growth of Atlanta’s young talents. These are players capable of shifting roles, understanding game state, and adjusting within matches.
Equally important is emotional development.
“When players reach the First Team, they go from being the superstar to being the backup. They have to learn how to handle that.”
Silva sees Atlanta United 2 as the place where those lessons must be learned, however without rushing players forward or placing them into roles they are not yet ready to handle.
Building the 2026 Roster
That philosophy shaped Atlanta United 2’s first roster moves ahead of the 2026 season.
The club announced the signings of forward Liam Butts, defender Daniel Chica, and winger Cameron Dunbar — all on one-year deals with club options for 2027.
Silva views the trio as essential balance pieces.
They bring professional experience, positional clarity, and roster flexibility to a group that will continue to feature a heavy Academy presence.
Just as importantly, they can serve as depth options if the First Team is impacted by injuries or congestion. There is a strategic element to adding more domestic players in this age group that can be supplemental to the first team when needed as the 2026 calendar will be demanding.
The goal is to ensure Atlanta United 2 remains competitive while continuing to function as a true extension of the First Team.
Why the Middle Matters
Silva’s promotion reflects Atlanta United’s belief that the middle of the pathway matters as much as the beginning or the end.
Atlanta United 2 is where potential meets pressure, the Proving Ground is more than just a tagline. Philosophy needs to meet results as young players learn how to compete, cope, and contribute.
For Silva, success is not measured only in wins or standings.
“The best reward is helping young guys change their lives and seeing them reach a higher level and stay there.”
As Atlanta United continues to produce deeper and more diverse waves of talent, José Silva now officially stands at the center of that process, guiding the next chapter of Atlanta United 2.
Comments