GCU turns to national program builder Jamie Davies as head coach

Following the men's soccer program's most successful season with a Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Tournament, Grand Canyon has hired one of the country's top head coaching talents in Jamie Davies to lead the program.

Davies arrives in Phoenix after two standout seasons as head coach at North Florida, where he engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the nation. In two seasons, the Ospreys won two regular-season conference championships, two conference tournament championships and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Davies inherited a three-win team that went winless in conference play and was ranked 203 out of 211 programs nationally. In 2025, the Ospreys finished the season ranked No. 46 nationally and went toe to toe with perennial power North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament before falling in penalty kicks.

"The interest in this position was incredibly high given the trajectory of our university and our men's soccer program," GCU Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. "Coach Davies stood out because he has proven he can build a championship culture quickly, develop elite players and compete at a national level. His vision, leadership and soccer acumen has earned high regard throughout college soccer and aligns perfectly with our university."

Davies' 2025 squad posted a 12-5-2 record, the best in program history, and produced more than 36 major individual awards across two seasons, including player of the year and coaching staff of the year.

"I'm incredibly excited and honored to be named the head coach of Grand Canyon University men's soccer," Davies said. "GCU is a special place with tremendous momentum and world-class facilities, and I'm inspired by the vision for the program and eager to help build something truly special—on and off the field.

"I want to sincerely thank the leadership at Grand Canyon University for their belief in me and for the opportunity to lead this program. I'm also deeply grateful to the University of North Florida—especially our players—along with the staff, administration and supporters for the relationships and memories we shared together. UNF will always hold a special place in my heart."

During the 2025 season, North Florida also earned national recognition across multiple statistical categories. The Ospreys finished inside the national top 25 in several key team metrics, including goal differential (No. 25), scoring offense (No. 21), total goals (No. 24), shutout percentage (No. 20) and total points (No. 17). UNF also ranked No. 12 nationally in points per game and No. 8 in total assists, while leading the Atlantic Sun Conference in numerous categories.

Prior to his time at North Florida, Davies spent six seasons as UCF's associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, helping guide the Knights to three American Conference regular-season championships, an American Conference Tournament title and four NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the Sweet 16. During the 2023 season, UCF rose to a No. 1 national ranking for the first time in program history.

Davies also brings experience from coaching stops at Georgia State, Limestone and Rio Grande, along with a strong background in player development. Across his career, he helped develop multiple MLS draft picks and professional players while earning numerous coaching staff of the year honors at the conference level.

A native of London, Davies holds a U.S. Soccer Federation A License and currently serves as a regional talent identification scout for the U.S. Youth National Team. He and his wife, Alexis, have two sons, Rafael and Archie.

"My family and I are excited to get started in Phoenix, connect with our student-athletes, alumni and community, and work tirelessly to compete for championships while representing Grand Canyon University the right way," Davies said.

Davies will assume leadership of a GCU program coming off a breakthrough season and its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018. The Lopes posted a 14-4-5 mark, won the WAC Tournament and won a pair of road NCAA Tournament matches over UCLA and national No. 9 seed San Diego to advance to the third round. Freshman forward Junior Diouf netted 18 goals and was named one of three finalists for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy for the nation's top player.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

GCU turns to national program builder Jamie Davies as head coach

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