- Professional soccer coach admits using ChatGPT to help with tactics
- Seattle Reign head coach Laura Harvey admitted to using AI to choose a formation in this season’s NWSL
- The Reign have qualified for the NWSL Playoffs starting next month
Would you be surprised to hear the head coach of your favorite sports team admit that he used ChatGPT as a tactical aid? Well, that’s what happened with the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) team Seattle Reign.
The Reign’s manager, Laura Harvey, speaking at the football podcastShe publicly admitted that she asked ChatGPT for tactical advice, and when the AI told her to try a five-defender formation, she did just that.
Harvey said: “One day during the off-season, I was writing things on ChatGPT like, ‘What’s the identity of Seattle Reign?’ And it would come out in spurts. And I said, ‘I don’t know if that’s true or not.'”
He added: “And then I said, ‘What formation should you play to beat the NWSL teams?’ and he talked about all the teams in the league and the formation they should play. And for two teams, it said, “You should play with five defensemen.” So I did it. “No joke, that’s why I did it.”
Look
It’s a wild admission from a professional coach, especially considering how highly esteemed the decision makers in our favorite organizations are. While Harvey never said which teams he used ChatGPT tactical tips for, Seattle Reign used a back five formation in a loss against Orlando Pride in April of this year.
Seattle Reign are currently in fourth place in the NSWL and aim to recreate that success in the playoffs, which begin in November.
Does your team use ChatGPT as a tactic?
As a huge sports fan, I honestly find this admission disconcerting. My honest opinion would be that it’s a publicity stunt to draw attention to the NWSL and Seattle Reign, or that Laura Harvey is just happy to take criticism about her head coaching practices.
Considering the salaries any professional athlete is paid compared to those of us who work standard office jobs, it’s crazy to think anyone would use ChatGPT to help make sports decisions.
With so much at stake, entrusting AI to make tactical decisions, without real analysis, is baffling and a stark contrast to the in-depth research one would expect most head coaches to spend time conducting.
I’m not saying that AI doesn’t have its place in the world of sports, and with so much data being taken into account when making decisions, it absolutely can play its role. But asking ChatGPT what tactics to use in a professional sports environment is almost a fireable offense, showing a lack of knowledge, really, and a lack of self-awareness to admit it publicly.
Use ChatGPT to help win a game on Soccer manager 2026 It’s one thing; using it to hoist the NWSL trophy is another. That said, if ChatGPT can help you become a professional soccer coach now, maybe my dream job is a possibility.
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