Omaha Supernovas hire former U.S. National Team head coach

The Omaha Supernovas have their next head coach. Chris McGown, a former head coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team, BYU men’s volleyball and more recently interim for LOVB Austin, signed a two-year contract with Omaha, the Supernovas announced on Tuesday.

McGown said in a news release that he’s excited to build relationships with players and fans, along with a championship culture.

“That connection is at the core of how I coach, and I’m excited to help our players grow and compete at the highest level. I’ve seen the passion of NovasNation, and it’s something truly special,” McGown said. “The energy that the Omaha metro, the entire state and region bring to the Supernovas is unmatched, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in it and be part of what makes this organization and Nebraska so unique.”

McGown also played at BYU from 1990-94.

Supernovas general manager and former Nebraska head coach John Cook said he’s known and respected McGown for a long time.

“As we evaluated the next step for our franchise, Chris quickly became the person I wanted to lead at the forefront,” Cook said. “He knows what it takes to build cohesive teams and develop players, and that will carry throughout our organization. He also understands what it means to represent something bigger than yourself, and that’s exactly what this team and this fanbase are about. I’m excited for NovasNation to get to know him and to see the impact he’ll have as we continue to raise the standard for professional volleyball here in Omaha.”

In April, Supernovas coach Luka Slabe was fired with just six games remaining in the regular season. Omaha was 11-11 at the time.

The organization rallied around interim head coach Thomas Robson, who led the Supernovas to the Major League Volleyball championship match. Ultimately, Omaha fell one set short against the Dallas Pulse. The Supernovas finished the year 15-15. Robson will return to his role as an assistant coach, a team spokesperson said.