Chennaiyin FC have appointed Clifford Miranda as their new head coach, the club announced on Saturday.

The former FC Goa, Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC assistant will make the step up to the head coach position as the Marina Machans look to challenge for the top honours again.

Miranda’s first assignment as head coach will be the AIFF Super Cup that kicks off in his home state Goa on October 25.

New Head Coach reporting for duty 🫡#AllInForChennaiyin pic.twitter.com/MpcW3ezvi6

— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) October 18, 2025

Chennaiyin FC are placed in a tough group with fellow Indian Super League (ISL) sides Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC alongside Dempo SC who will enjoy home advantage.

The Marina Machans last tasted silverware in 2017-18 when they beat Bengaluru FC in the ISL Cup final and have qualified for the ISL playoffs just once in the last five seasons.

Miranda who will be the first Indian full-time head coach of the club vie to change the club’s fortunes with the AIFF Super Cup presenting an immediate chance to make a statement.

The coach has history on his side when it comes to the AIFF Super Cup having already won the tournament with Odisha FC in 2023 as an interim head coach, a feat he would love to repeat with his new club.

The 43-year-old had a stellar playing career for club and country and featured as a player in the ISL for FC Goa and ATK FC in the first two campaigns of the ISL.

He will look to bring his experience at play at Chennaiyin FC and take them back to the heights that the club is used to in the ISL.