Roy Colsey will not return as Carolina Chaos Head Coach in 2026

Roy Colsey will not be returning to the PLL sidelines in 2026. For the second straight offseason, the Carolina Chaos are searching for a new head coach. Members of the team were informed by Colsey earlier today.

Colsey was announced as Chaos head coach on January 30th of last year. He signed a one year contract, although all indications are that he had every intention of coaching beyond that. A new media rights deal with network partner ESPN brought an influx of revenue to the PLL, which in turn brought a salary increase for players. It also led to an expanded schedule, one that may further expand in the coming years. Colsey was offered a salary increase by the league, though while player salaries increased 11%, the increase offered to Colsey was significantly smaller. Colsey was already paid less than head coaches in the PLL who don’t have a separate GM role for their team as the Chaos do. Colsey attempted to negotiate a better salary given the increases in player compensation, new media deal, and more demanding expanded game schedule. However the two sides were too far apart to come to an agreement.

Colsey took over the coaching reins of a team with a seriously rebuilt roster. Many of the star players that defined the Chaos identity on their run to the 2021 title have since departed. Colsey took over a team that saw Josh Byrne, Ian MacKay, and Will Bowen all leave the league before the season. Early struggles, however, became the foundation for success, as the Chaos won four of their last six games. Despite the challenges that come with a full rebuild in a hyper competitive league, Colsey led the Chaos to a playoff berth and a top four finish, qualifying them for the Championship Series. The Chaos had finalists for Defenseman of the Year, LSM of the Year, Goalie of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Rookie Owen Hiltz finished 14th in the PLL in scoring despite missing the first three games of the year.

The Chaos will need to identify their next head coach, at least on an interim basis, in time to lead the team in the Championship Series.