PORT ORCHARD, WA—Port Orchard Football Club is excited to welcome Max Sampson as the second head coach in the club’s history. Sampson takes over starting with the 2026 season after the recent resignation of Patrick Leonard.
“I am very excited to lead the Tall Firs and work with such a unique football brand and dedicated organization.” Sampson says. “The leadership here is community centered and players are high quality. I can’t wait to get started and build a team the fans will love to follow.”
Max comes to POFC as the current Head Coach at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. Before that he was the Head Coach at Lane Community College in Oregon. Sampson has twice been named NWAC Regional Coach of the Year (2022, 2023.) He is also the owner and agent of Cascade Sports Recruiting, a business providing college recruiting advice and player placement assistance.
Sampson is lauded by his players for his communication skills, tactical knowledge and down to earth personality. One online coaching review site also praises him as creating a great team culture and being a positive person who is easy to get along with and is passionate about coaching.
“I’m really happy for Max and I’m happy for POFC to have found their new leader,” says Patrick Leonard, who helped found the club in 2023 and led it to three league finals in three years, winning two trophies in the process. “Max and I are planning to meet soon to talk about the transition. I’m confident that he is not only aware of the importance of his role, but excited by the opportunity. I’m excited to see him continue the POFC legacy and continue to drive the standards forward.”
Port Orchard General Manager Sam Ironside believes Sampson is a great fit. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Max into this role. He’s stepping into big shoes, but throughout the entire interview process he made it absolutely clear that he’s ready for the challenge. His passion for the club, the community, and our future stood out instantly, and it became obvious that he was the right choice. Max brings experience, intelligence, and a fresh vision that can truly propel the club in the direction we’re striving for. There are exciting times ahead—and we can’t wait to see what Max helps us achieve.”
Sampson has already been interacting with the Tall Firs front office, setting up lines of communication that will reach out to players and eventually also to supporters. He can be reached at max@gopofc.com.
Port Orchard FC continues offseason preparations following the club’s second league title as Cascadia Premier League (CPL) winners in 2025. There will be more news of the new PO era to come. The Tall Firs anticipate news kits from a new design partner, Olive & York. The club also understands that a new league could materialize out of a possible merger between the CPL and the Evergreen Premier League of Washington (EPLWA.)
POFC will begin selling season passes for 2026 in February.
Banner, The Tallest Fir
Official Digital Mascot of POFC
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