Ted Lasso was a heartwarming comedy where Jason Sudeikis’ Coach Ted Lasso slowly wins the hearts of even the most stoic AFC Richmond team with his charming Southern drawl and infectious positivity. The show was an ensemble comedy that chiefly followed the growth of Ted Lasso as he learned to work through his panic attacks, Rebecca Welton finding an identity beyond her anger, and Roy Kent as he becomes a more emotionally vulnerable coach and partner.

Almost every Ted Lasso season 4, we will have more time to spend with other fan-favorite characters. Whether it’s giving Keeley Jones more time to establish herself as a businesswoman or allowing Trent Crimm more space for a personal life, I’m looking forward to seeing the development of these 10 Ted Lasso characters in season 4.

10 Coach Willis Beard

Coach Beard Decided To Stay In The UK With Jane In The Finale

Coach Beard is one of Ted Lasso’s most enigmatic characters, known for his dry wit and steadfast loyalty. Beard provides a grounded, often cryptic counterbalance to Ted’s relentless optimism, offering wisdom in few words. His backstory is dark - falling into drugs and crime and even spending time in prison - but Ted gave him a second chance, which earned him Beard’s lifelong gratitude. Beard is full of unexpected quirks, from his love of chess to his appreciation of rave culture.

Beard is a perfect counterbalance to Ted.

However, Beard’s standalone episode in Ted Lasso season 2 received mixed reactions, as its surreal, dreamlike journey deviated from the show’s usual tone. Fans hope to see deeper insight into Beard’s past, his motivations, and perhaps more stability in his personal life, given his tumultuous relationship with Jane. Beard is a perfect counterbalance to Ted, and hopefully he can continue to develop without losing his mysterious nature, as he is confirmed to be returning for Ted Lasso season 4.

9 Trent Crimm

Trent Crimm Went From Skeptic To Believer, But We Did Not See His Personal Life

Trent Crimm was originally introduced as The Independent’s sharp-tongued journalist but became one of Ted Lasso’s most beloved characters as he evolved from a skeptical critic to a genuine er of Richmond. He kept his dry wit and intellectual curiosity even as he shed his cynical edge to embrace the team’s positivity. Stepping beyond his role as a journalistic observer, he helped Colin Hughes embrace his identity as a gay man in season 3 by sharing that he is also gay. His quiet understanding and encouragement deepened his role beyond journalism.

It is not confirmed whether actor James Lance will be reprising his role of Trent for Ted Lasso season 4, but writing about Richmond’s new female football team would be a perfect story for him. It would be nice to see Trent’s personal life and perhaps a romantic partner to further develop Trent into a fully realized character.

8 Dr. Sharon Fieldstone

Dr. Sharon Maintained A Strict Professional Boundary

Dr. Sharon Fieldstone brought her calm, insightful, and no-nonsense approach to therapy. She challenged Ted’s relentless cheerfulness to confront his struggles, helping him navigate his panic attacks and childhood trauma. As a sports psychologist, Dr. Sharon kept a strict professional boundary, but gradually opened up to Ted. Her dynamic with Ted was particularly compelling, as he is resistant to itting he has a problem, but grows to trust and respect her.

It is not confirmed whether actress Sarah Niles will be returning as Dr. Sharon for Ted Lasso season 4, but she was changed by her time at AFC Richmond, as demonstrated by her anxiously watching their game in the series finale after Dr. Sharon was woefully underused in Ted Lasso season 3. Hopefully, Dr. Sharon can return to help the women’s football team, as her presence would reinforce the show’s themes of mental well-being and personal growth.

7 Leslie Higgins

The Director Of Football Operations For AFC Richmond Has A Happy Home Life

Leslie Higgins is Ted Lasso's lovable underdog. He is also heart of AFC Richmond and one of the few people who can speak the honest truth to Rebecca Welton. Much like Parks and Recreation’s Jerry Gergich, he endures lighthearted ridicule at work while enjoying a warm and fulfilling home life. Fans adored his unwavering kindness, dad-joke humor, and ability to be both bumbling and deeply wise.

Seeing Higgins outside of work—whether juggling family life or mentoring Richmond’s players—would add depth to his character

While we’ve had glimpses of his happy home life, particularly in Ted Lasso's beloved Christmas episode, fans hope to see more of his family in Ted Lasso season 4. Seeing Higgins outside of work—whether juggling family life or mentoring Richmond’s players—would add depth to his character and highlight why he’s one of the show’s most lovable figures.

6 Colin Hughes

Colin’s Coming Out Storyline Was Powerful, But His Romance Was Off-Screen

Colin Hughes started as a lighthearted presence in Ted Lasso, but season 3 gave him one of the show’s most powerful arcs. Colin’s coming-out journey was beautifully handled, showing his struggles with living a double life and his fear of being fully seen. His heartfelt conversation with Trent Crimm, who reassured him that he deserved to be his true self in all spaces, was especially moving. The team’s unconditional embrace of Colin made for one of Ted Lasso’s most touching moments.

Actor Billy Harris is not confirmed to be returning for Ted Lasso season 4, but if he does, fans want to see Colin in love, since his romantic life was largely kept off-screen in the original run. Watching him balance his football career with personal happiness would continue his meaningful and inspiring character development.

5 Keeley Jones

Keeley’s Professional Growth Was Muddied By Romantic Turmoil

Keeley Jones is one of Ted Lasso’s fan-favorite characters, adored for her bubbly energy, sharp instincts, and unwavering for her friends. She grew from model to confident PR mogul, but Ted Lasso season 3 rushed Keeley’s journey of launching her own company, intertwining her career struggles with a toxic romance that diminished the impact of her professional growth. The Roy Kent/Jamie Tartt love triangle that followed further overshadowed Keeley’s journey to becoming a true businesswoman.

With actress Juno Temple confirmed to be returning for Ted Lasso season 4, Keely has the potential to become even more central to the show. Keeley was the one to propose a women’s team to Rebecca, setting up an exciting new direction for Richmond for season 4. Watching Keeley lead this initiative and fully step into her power could finally give her the rich, independent arc she deserves.

4 Michelle Keller

Ted’s Relationship With His Ex-Wife Is Left Open-Ended In Season 3

Michelle Keller - formerly Lasso - had limited screen time in Ted Lasso, but her presence remained significant as Ted’s ex-wife and mother of their child. Though their marriage ended, Michelle still cared for Ted, and their dynamic was marked by warmth, respect, and unspoken feelings. Ted Lasso never villainized Michelle, even when she nearly got engaged to their former couples therapist. Instead, the show portrayed her as someone who simply grew apart from Ted, despite his boundless optimism.

Ted Lasso season 3 left Ted and Michelle's relationship open-ended but hints at a reunion, leaving room for season 4 to explore their future together. Michelle and Henry could potentially move to the UK with Ted this time, providing a heartfelt continuation of their journey.

3 Isaac McAdoo

Isaac McAdoo Is The Next Roy Kent

One of Ted Lasso’s best soccer players, Isaac McAdoo was defined by his no-nonsense leadership and quiet intensity, following in Roy Kent’s footsteps as captain. Though often stoic, glimpses of warmth and humor reveal a tough exterior masking deep loyalty and emotion. His hurt reaction to Colin’s coming out in season 3 was a standout moment because he felt like his best friend had kept a secret from him, underscoring McAdoo’s deep value for trust and brotherhood.

Kola Bokinni has expressed interest in returning to play McAdoo in Ted Lasso season 4, though there is no formal casting announcement yet. It would be great for season 4 to explore McAdoo’s life outside of football, delving into his vulnerabilities and relationships to deepen his role as an emotional anchor for the team.

2 Dani Rojas

Dani Rojas Is A Beacon Of Light But Two-Dimensional

Dani Rojas is one of Ted Lasso’s most joyful and infectious characters, instantly winning fans over with his boundless enthusiasm and signature phrase: “Football is life!” His unwavering positivity and childlike excitement brought a distinctly different energy to Richmond than Jamie Tartt, the team’s previous star, and Dani remained a constant source of lightheartedness throughout the series. Yet, beyond his love for football, we know very little about him.

It would be interesting to learn more about Dani’s personal life and Mexican upbringing.

Actor Cristo Fernández has expressed interest in playing Dani again in Ted Lasso season 4, but he has not been officially cast yet. Dani briefly struggled with the yips in season 3, but it would be interesting to learn more about Dani’s personal life and Mexican upbringing. Perhaps there is a future romance with someone on the women’s team for Dani.

1 Nate Shelley

Nate’s Redemption Arc Needs More Time To Feel Earned

Nate Shelley’s arc was one of Ted Lasso’s most divisive storylines. Fans were heartbroken watching his descent into villainy in season 2, betraying Ted and ing West Ham. While his insecurities and hunger for recognition made his fall understandable, his atonement in season 3 felt rushed. After spending most of the season isolated, his return to Richmond happened quickly, without fully reckoning with the harm he caused.

Although it is not confirmed that Nate is returning for Ted Lasso season 4, his character ended the original run back with AFC Richmond, so another season could allow him to truly earn his redemption. Fans want to see him rebuild trust with the team and earn back their respect. Watching Nate grow into a more confident, self-assured coach who no longer needs external validation would make his arc feel more complete and satisfying.