Ian Sarachan, who helped Creighton to the NCAA College Cup as an assistant coach and led UIC to the NCAA Elite Eight as a student-athlete, has been named Butler men's soccer head coach.
 
Sarachan, who recently completed his second season as an assistant with the Colorado Rapids of MLS, becomes the seventh head coach in Butler's men's soccer program history.
 
"Ian rose to the top of a very strong applicant pool through his ability to articulate both a vision and a plan to return our program to the upper tier of both the BIG EAST and nationally," said Butler Vice President/Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker. "He has played for, coached with, and been directly mentored by some of the best coaches in American soccer history. He has a great understanding and appreciation of The Butler Way and has had direct success recruiting and winning in the BIG EAST. Above all, Ian is aligned with what is most important to us at Butler: a championship culture that shows itself on the pitch, in the classroom and in the community."
 
"I'd like to first thank Grant and the entire leadership team for the confidence they've shown in me to lead Butler men's soccer into its next chapter," said Sarachan. "This program has a proud tradition, devoted alumni, and the resources to compete for BIG EAST championships and on the national stage.
 
"My philosophy has always been about developing complete student-athletes, who excel on the field, in the classroom, and as members of their communities. At Butler, we're going to create an environment where players find joy in the game, compete every day, and push and support each other to become the best versions of themselves. We're going to play an exciting brand of soccer that Butler fans will be proud of. I'm thrilled to be part of the Butler family."
 
Sarachan joined the Rapids coaching staff after five seasons as an assistant coach at Creighton. The highlight of his time with the Bluejays was an appearance in the 2022 NCAA College Cup. During that 2022 campaign, Duncan McGuire was selected as the recipient of the MAC Hermann Trophy. McGuire and Owen O'Malley were both selected in the Top 10 of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. During his tenure, the Bluejays earned 20 All-BIG EAST selections, seven of which were in 2022. The Bluejays won 40 matches, including 20 in the BIG EAST, during his five seasons in Omaha.  
 
Sarachan previously served as an assistant at Santa Clara and Wisconsin. He helped lead the Badgers to the 2013 NCAA Tournament, the program's first NCAA appearance since its 1995 national championship season. Sarachan started his coaching career in 2012 as an assistant coach for the LA Galaxy's U-14 and U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-16 teams. He transitioned to assistant coach of the Galaxy's USSDA U-18 team in 2013.
 
Sarachan played four seasons at UIC and helped guide the Flames to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2007 Elite Eight. He delivered the game-winning goal during the 2007 Sweet 16 against Creighton. Following his playing career, Sarachan worked as an agent with Wasserman Media Group and represented multiple players.
 
His father, Dave, is currently an assistant coach with the San Jose Earthquakes and previously served as the interim manager for the U.S. Men's National Team (Oct. 2017-Nov. 2018). During the summer of 2021, Ian joined his father to help the Puerto Rico National Team train when Dave was serving as technical director and head coach.

Ian and his wife Rea have two children, Shay and Edison.