The New York Red Bulls announced Friday that sporting director Denis Hamlett has signed a multi-year contract extension.
Since replacing Ali Curtis in February 2017, Hamlett has restructured the club's scouting department and named a new academy director, part of overseeing one of the top player-development systems in MLS. Red Bulls academy products and graduates of RBNY II, the club's USL affiliate, account for 42 percent of all minutes played across 21 matches this season, contributing 14 goals and 20 assists.
"On behalf of the entire organization, I'd like to congratulate Denis," said Red Bulls GM Marc de Grandpre in a club release. "His leadership and direction have made a positive impact across our organization and paved the way for a bright future."
Hamlett has led the process of re-signing key players like Bradley Wright-Phillips, Danny Royer and Sean Davis, and also acquired immediate newcomers like Alejandro “Kaku” Romero Gamarra, the club's first Young Designated Player, and center back Tim Parker. Hamlett also signed Michael Amir Murillo and Fidel Escobar, who are currently with the Panama national team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Red Bulls currently sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings with an 8-4-2 record.
A native of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica who finished his playing career with the Colorado Rapids during MLS’s inaugural season in 1996, Hamlett previously worked as an assistant coach with the Red Bulls, Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact, and also served as head coach of the Chicago Fire in 2008-09.
