HAMILTON, ONT. – (Nov. 6, 2026) – Forge FC head coach Bobby Smyrniotis has been named one of three finalists for the Canadian Premier League’s Coach of the Year Award, recognizing the league’s top head coach during the 2026 CPL Regular Season.
Smyrniotis earned his eighth career nomination for Coach of the Year after guiding Forge to another impressive campaign in 2026, continuing to establish the club among the CPL’s elite. Under his leadership, Forge finished second in the regular-season standings with a 17-7-4 record and 58 points, recording 17 victories while suffering just four defeats across 28 matches. The club finished with 49 goals scored and only 22 conceded, posting a +27 goal differential while maintaining one of the league’s strongest defensive records. Forge was equally impressive at Hamilton Stadium, recording 10 victories in 14 home matches. Smyrniotis’ ability to maintain consistency and high standards on both sides of the ball once again positioned Forge among the league’s top contenders. He previously won the Coach of the Year Award in 2024 and 2025.
The winner will be determined by votes cast by technical leadership from all eight CPL clubs, alongside select media members from local and national outlets who regularly covered the 2026 CPL Regular Season. The award will be presented at the 2026 CPL Awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 19, as part of the 2026 CPL Final festivities.
The winner of the Coach of the Year award will receive a unique piece of Inuit soapstone art, conceptualized by artist Palaya Qiatsuq and carved by Ruben Komangapik. The Owl statue symbolizes wisdom, guidance and knowledge, while its heightened vision gives it the ability to see what others cannot. The Coach of the Year requires similar attributes to earn the honour.