Photo by: Mallory Peak | Louisville Athletics
Hayden Agrees to Contract Extension Through 2029 Season
June 18, 2026 | Men's Soccer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville Athletic Association Board of Directors has approved a contract extension for University of Louisville men's soccer head coach John Michael Hayden through the 2029 season.
Hayden concluded his seventh season at the helm of the Louisville program last fall, where he served as an assistant coach for four seasons previously.
"John Michael embodies everything we value at Louisville," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Josh Heird. "He is an exceptional leader, an outstanding representative of our university and someone who understands the pride and passion associated with Louisville Athletics. He has built a culture centered on development, accountability and competitive excellence, and we are excited about the future of our men's soccer program under his leadership."
Since being named the fifth head coach in program history in December of 2018, Hayden has led the Cardinals to four NCAA Tournament appearances and compiled an overall record of 57-49-10.
Hayden notably led the Cardinals to the program's first-ever ACC Atlantic Division title in 2021 and most recently guided Louisville to a 1-0 victory over then-No. 1 Stanford on Sept. 5 to highlight the 2025 season.
Under his direction, Louisville has consistently produced All-ACC performers and MLS talent while excelling in the classroom and competing annually in the nation's top soccer conference.
Hayden returned to his hometown in 2016 as an assistant after coaching stops at Xavier and Lipscomb. A graduate of Trinity High School and a former standout player at Indiana University, Hayden has spent much of his coaching career investing in soccer throughout the Louisville community.
Hayden concluded his seventh season at the helm of the Louisville program last fall, where he served as an assistant coach for four seasons previously.
"John Michael embodies everything we value at Louisville," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Josh Heird. "He is an exceptional leader, an outstanding representative of our university and someone who understands the pride and passion associated with Louisville Athletics. He has built a culture centered on development, accountability and competitive excellence, and we are excited about the future of our men's soccer program under his leadership."
Since being named the fifth head coach in program history in December of 2018, Hayden has led the Cardinals to four NCAA Tournament appearances and compiled an overall record of 57-49-10.
Hayden notably led the Cardinals to the program's first-ever ACC Atlantic Division title in 2021 and most recently guided Louisville to a 1-0 victory over then-No. 1 Stanford on Sept. 5 to highlight the 2025 season.
Under his direction, Louisville has consistently produced All-ACC performers and MLS talent while excelling in the classroom and competing annually in the nation's top soccer conference.
Hayden returned to his hometown in 2016 as an assistant after coaching stops at Xavier and Lipscomb. A graduate of Trinity High School and a former standout player at Indiana University, Hayden has spent much of his coaching career investing in soccer throughout the Louisville community.
Saturday, November 01
Sunday, October 26
Saturday, October 04
Wednesday, September 24
