Schellas Hyndman

Schellas Hyndman is a renowned American football (soccer) coach, having managed several prominent teams, including the SMU Mustangs and FC Dallas. With a career spanning over three decades, Hyndman has worked with esteemed institutions such as Southern Methodist University and has been associated with notable figures like Bruce Arena and Sigi Schmid. His coaching style has been influenced by his experiences with the United States men's national soccer team and the Major League Soccer (MLS). Hyndman's journey in football has been marked by his involvement with organizations like the United States Soccer Federation and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

● Early Life and Education

Schellas Hyndman was born on November 4, 1951, in McDermott, Ohio, and grew up in a family of modest means. He developed an interest in football (soccer) at a young age, inspired by players like Pelé and Johan Cruyff. Hyndman attended McDermott High School and later enrolled at Eastern Illinois University, where he played for the Eastern Illinois Panthers men's soccer team under the guidance of coach Jack Allen. During his time at Eastern Illinois University, Hyndman was exposed to the coaching styles of Tony Waiters and Walter Chyzowych, which would later influence his own approach to the game. He graduated with a degree in physical education and went on to earn his master's degree from Eastern Illinois University, with a focus on sports administration and coaching.

● Coaching Career

Hyndman's coaching career began in 1974, when he became an assistant coach for the Eastern Illinois Panthers men's soccer team. He later moved to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 1978, where he served as an assistant coach under Al Miller and helped the SMU Mustangs men's soccer team win several Missouri Valley Conference championships. In 1986, Hyndman took over as the head coach of the SMU Mustangs men's soccer team, leading them to six NCAA Tournament appearances and winning the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship in 1988. During his tenure at SMU, Hyndman worked with notable players like Steve Trittschuh and Brian Quinn, and developed a reputation as a skilled tactician and motivator. In 2008, Hyndman left SMU to become the head coach of FC Dallas, where he worked alongside Bobby Rhine and Oscar Pareja, and led the team to the MLS Cup playoffs in 2010.

● Managerial Statistics

As a coach, Hyndman has compiled an impressive record, with a winning percentage of over 60% in his 22-year tenure at Southern Methodist University. His teams have consistently demonstrated a strong defensive mindset, with an average of less than one goal conceded per game. Hyndman's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of possession football, teamwork, and player development, as evident in his work with the United States U-20 men's national soccer team and the United States U-23 men's national soccer team. His managerial statistics are a testament to his ability to adapt to different playing styles and formations, as seen in his experiences with the 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations.

● Honors and Awards

Throughout his career, Hyndman has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the sport. He was named the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Coach of the Year in 1988 and the MLS Coach of the Year in 2010. Hyndman has also been recognized for his service to the sport, receiving the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. His achievements have been acknowledged by organizations like the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and he has been inducted into the SMU Athletics Hall of Fame.

● Personal Life

Hyndman is married to his wife, Kammy Hyndman, and has two children, Chad Hyndman and Natasha Hyndman. He is an avid supporter of several charitable organizations, including the United Service Organizations (USO) and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Hyndman has also been involved in various community outreach programs, working with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the YMCA. In his free time, Hyndman enjoys reading about history and philosophy, and is a fan of authors like Napoleon Hill and Vince Lombardi. He has also been influenced by the coaching philosophies of Bill Walsh and Bear Bryant, and has spoken at conferences like the NSCAA Convention and the MLS Cup.