Parsons spent six years in multiple coaching roles in England. Parsons's first experience came as a volunteer boys' coach in Surrey, then as a community coach with the Chelsea Foundation. He then held several coaching roles at Chelsea, counting Reece James and Conor Gallagher among the youth players he trained at the academy level.[9]
Parsons, seeking a job in the Virginia area, accepted the role of technical director at Culpeper Soccer Club in 2010 and moved with his wife to the United States.[11][9]
Following the dismissal of Washington Spirit manager Mike Jorden in July 2013, Parsons was promoted to be the first team manager.[9][15][16] The team was at the bottom of the table halfway through the 2013 season when Parsons took over, but he led them to their first two home wins in 2013 and into the playoffs in both the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Parsons stepped down from his position as head coach and general manager of the Washington Spirit on 30 September 2015.[17]
Portland Thorns
On 5 October 2015, Parsons accepted the position as head coach of Portland Thorns FC.[18]
He led a new-look team through a 12-game undefeated streak (a team record) from the beginning of the 2016 season.[19] The team finished as the regular season champions, winning the NWSL Shield, but fell to the Western New York Flash in the Thorns' first-ever home playoff match on 2 October 2016.[20]
The Thorns repeated in securing a home playoff match in the 2017 season despite suffering numerous injuries to the first XI throughout the season, including the long-term absence of star Tobin Heath from a back injury.[21] After beating the Orlando Pride 4–1 in the semifinal, the Thorns won the NWSL championship by defeating the North Carolina Courage 1–0 in the final.[22]
In March 2020 Parsons signed a new multi-year contract with Portland.[23]
Overall, Thorns FC under Parsons made the playoffs all five seasons, won two NWSL Shields and one NWSL Championship, and scored 182 goals, more than any other NWSL team in that time.[25]
On 10 August 2022, Parsons' contract with KNVB was terminated[26] by mutual consent, after the Netherlands team failed in the defence of their 2017 title in the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 competition.[27]
Return to Washington Spirit
On 21 November 2022, Parsons was announced as the head coach for the Washington Spirit, succeeding Kris Ward as head coach and Albertin Montoya as interim head coach.[24][28][29]
At the conclusion of the 2023 NWSL season the Spirit announced Parsons will not return as head coach.[30][31]
Angel City
On 16 January 2025, Parson was announced as the new sporting director for NWSL side, Angel City. As part of this role Parsons also operates as general manager.[6]
