From Strasbourg assistant to Casa Pia boss: Coelho's next chapter

Portuguese coach Filipe Coelho has left his assistant manager position at RC Strasbourg Alsace to become the first‑team head coach of Casa Pia AC, a move confirmed on Sunday. The 38‑year‑old’s appointment marks a shift from Ligue 1 back to the Portuguese top flight, where he will lead the Lisbon‑based side.

Coelho’s résumé includes spells with youth teams at SL Benfica, Estoril and Chelsea, giving him experience across Portuguese and English development systems. Those roles preceded his move to France.

He joined RC Strasbourg Alsace as an assistant in the summer of 2025, initially working under manager Liam Rosenior. The Portuguese coach arrived five months before his departure, according to his own timeline.

When Rosenior left in January to take the Chelsea job, Coelho continued at Strasbourg as the assistant to Gary O’Neil. The change kept him on the French bench through the season.

O’Neil later accepted the managerial vacancy at Ipswich Town, departing with the staff he had assembled. Coelho, who had been on the coaching staff prior, also exited the club.

Speaking to A Bola earlier this year, Coelho explained why he did not follow Rosenior to London, saying, “I was close to going to Chelsea when Liam left … but family is a very important pillar and it didn’t make sense to take my family away from a good adaptation to life in France.”

He added that he is not in a hurry for a head‑coach role but feels the opportunity will arise, noting a desire to return to Liga Portugal, “a league that means a lot to me.” Coelho’s appointment at Casa Pia AC in the Portuguese top flight was reported by Luke Entwistle.