Steven Brooks & Austin Kaut Reunited to Lead Carolina Chaos in 2026 PLL Season

After a four-year wait, Steven Brooks has been named head coach of the Carolina Chaos for the 2026 Championship Series. The announcement was quickly followed by a congratulatory call from Austin Kaut, a former teammate and current Chaos goalie, signaling a renewed partnership with deep roots.

A Familiar Dynamic

Brooks and Kaut previously played together on the Florida Launch from 2015 to 2018. During that time, Kaut, then a young player entering his professional career, looked to Brooks – a veteran presence – for guidance. Kaut affectionately referred to Brooks as “Daddy Brooks,” highlighting the mentorship role he played for many on the team.

Did You Know? Steven Brooks won two championships as a player with the Chesapeake Bayhawks in 2012 and 2013.

Leadership Transition

While their roles have now reversed, with Brooks as coach and Kaut as a veteran player, both men believe their shared understanding of the game will be a strength for the Chaos. Kaut, entering his 13th professional season, is part of a young core that also includes Jackson Eicher, Ross Scott, Shane Knobloch, Ray Dearth and JC Higginbotham.

Kaut anticipates Brooks’ leadership style will foster a positive locker room environment, emphasizing player development and trust over harsh criticism. He believes Brooks’ ability to connect with players on a personal level will unlock their full potential.

A Player-Focused Approach

Brooks’ coaching philosophy centers on building relationships with his players, understanding their individual strengths and preferences. He aims to create a comfortable environment where players can focus on their strengths and minimize the fear of making mistakes. He told PLL beat writer Zach Carey that his goal is to make the game “the easiest part of the day” for his players.

Expert Insight: Brooks’ emphasis on player comfort and minimizing fear of failure suggests a coaching style focused on maximizing individual performance through positive reinforcement and trust-building, a strategy that could be particularly effective with a young and developing team.

This approach resonates with Kaut, who experienced Brooks’ leadership firsthand early in his career. He believes the established trust and open communication will be invaluable as the Chaos prepare for the 2026 season.

Building on Past Success

Brooks brings 18 years of professional lacrosse experience to the Chaos, including a recent role as offensive coordinator for the New York Atlas, who won their first PLL title. His track record of success, combined with his player-focused philosophy, positions him to lead the Chaos toward a championship run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Steven Brooks’ role with the New York Atlas?

Steven Brooks was the offensive coordinator for the New York Atlas, and helped lead them to their first PLL championship.

How long did Brooks and Kaut play together on the Florida Launch?

Brooks and Kaut played together on the Florida Launch for three seasons, from 2015 to 2018.

What is Brooks’ primary focus as he begins his role as head coach of the Carolina Chaos?

Brooks stated his first order of business is to understand each player’s strengths and how they best respond to coaching.

As the Carolina Chaos prepare for the 2026 Championship Series, how might the established rapport between a new head coach and a veteran player influence team dynamics and performance?