University of South Florida men’s soccer head coach Bob Butehorn retires

TAMPA, FL – University of South Florida men’s soccer head coach Bob Butehorn has announced his retirement after nine seasons leading the Bulls.

Butehorn, who assumed leadership of the program in December 2016, concludes a coaching career spanning four decades, including 23 seasons as a collegiate head coach.

“Bob has led USF men’s soccer with purpose and integrity for nearly a decade, providing a first-class student-athlete experience and developing numerous Bulls both on and off the pitch,” said CEO of USF Athletics Rob Higgins. “We thank Bob for everything he poured into our program and our student-athletes, and we wish him the very best as he enters a new chapter.”

During his tenure, Butehorn guided the Bulls to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2019 and 2022 and earned victories over six ranked opponents. He developed seven MLS SuperDraft selections, 25 all-conference honorees, and 11 conference All-Rookie Team selections—including 2017 American Rookie of the Year Adrian Billhardt. Three Bulls earned American Athletic Conference Player of the Year recognition under his leadership: Goalkeepers of the Year Jahiem Wickham (2025) and Kazuna Takase (2021), and 2024 Midfielder of the Year Pedro Faife.

“I am incredibly grateful to have been positively influenced by so many remarkable people in this wonderful profession,” Butehorn said. “My career has been shaped by the countless individuals who have made me a better coach and person. Especially my beautiful family who’ve been the backbone to all that I am. Now, after 40-plus years of coaching, it’s time for the next exciting chapter in my life.”

The Bulls finished 9-3-5 in Butehorn’s final season. He concludes a 23-year head coaching career—including 10 seasons at FGCU and four at St. Bonaventure prior to arriving at USF—during which he led teams in 385 matches and compiled a 192-143-50 record. At FGCU, Butehorn guided the Eagles to six straight ASUN Conference regular-season titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances, and he led St. Bonaventure to a school-record 12-win season.