Former Socceroos defender Mark Milligan given task of lifting Newcastle Jets out of A-League mire

The coaching merry-go-round in the A-League has continued with a famous Australian football name given a big job.

Socceroos great Mark Milligan has been given the task of lifting the Newcastle Jets out of the A-League wilderness as coaching reshuffles among several battling clubs continue with the regular season done.

It’s the first head coaching role for Milligan, 39, who went to four World Cups with the Socceroos among his 80 caps for the national team.

He’s signed until the end of the 2026-27 season and replaces Rob Stanton, who learnt of his demise last month but oversaw the Jets’ final-round 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory.

The Jets won just eight games in the 2024-25 season, missing the finals for the eighth season in a row, having not made the post-season since losing the 2017-18 grand final to Melbourne Victory.

Milligan takes the reins having been a highly rated assistant at Adelaide United from 2022-25 before working with the Malaysian men’s national team.

“I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to be the club’s new A-League Men’s head coach,” Milligan said in a statement.

𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒏!

The Newcastle Jets are delighted to confirm Mark Milligan as the Club’s Isuzu Ute A-League Men's Head Coach, signing on until the end of the 2026/2027 season.#BondedByGoldhttps://t.co/dc8kYoswoK

— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) May 6, 2025

“It is exciting times under the new ownership of the Newcastle Jets, and it was clear very early on that their strategy is consistent with my vision for the Jets, which will be built on player development and ultimately achieve team success.”

Milligan played for the Jets in 2008-09 as part of a lengthy A-League career, the bulk of which was played at Melbourne Victory, having also had playing stints overseas.

He was also a stalwart for the Socceroos, playing in four World Cups and winning the 2015 Asian Cup.

Milligan retired from international football and finished his club career at Macarthur before moving into coaching.

Jets chairman Maurice Bisetto said Milligan was the best choice for the job.

“As we progressed through the process of identifying a new A-League Men’s head coach, it became clear that Mark was well placed to take the club into a new era,” he said.

Mark Milligan will coach the Newcastle Jets.

“Mark has made the transition to coaching seamlessly and we are excited to have him on-board as a leader in our organisation.

“We are confident Mark will be able to instil a strong culture across all facets of the club, including building a winning team that the region can be proud of.”

There will also be new coaches a the Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United next season.

Originally published as Former Socceroos defender Mark Milligan given task of lifting Newcastle Jets out of A-League mire