Charlotte FC has made a significant addition to its coaching staff by naming Karl Hooper as the new First Team Assistant Coach under Head Coach Dean Smith. This announcement was made on April 2, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hooper will primarily focus on the club's set pieces and the individual development plans for players, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. General Manager Zoran Krneta expressed excitement about Hooper's extensive knowledge in developing young players and game-planning set pieces, emphasizing that he is a great complement to the existing technical staff. Prior to joining Charlotte FC, Hooper spent six seasons with Aston Villa, where he served as the Assistant Under-21 and Professional Development Phase coach. During his tenure, he collaborated closely with Unai Emery and the coaching staff to align playing styles and individual player pathways. Hooper began his coaching career at Birmingham City FC in 2010 and has since gained valuable experience in youth development. He holds a UEFA A License and a FA Advanced Youth Award, making him a qualified asset for Charlotte FC as they look to enhance their competitive edge in USL League One.