Utah Coaching Search Narrows

[jasoncox]

According to the following article, SLC has narrowed it search to possibly 4 candidates: John Ellinger, Thomas Rongen, Glenn Myernick and Steve Sampson.

SI.com - Grant Wahl (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/grant_wahl/08/03/wahl.insider/index.html)

[SoccerPrime]

Dean Howes, the CEO of the Utah expansion team debuting next spring, interviewed two coaching candidates for two hours each on Thursday at the Mayflower: U.S. under-17 coach John Ellinger and U.S. under-20 coach Thomas Rongen. Howes tells me he has also made plans to interview U.S. under-23 coach Glenn Myernick and former U.S. senior coach Steve Sampson.
Wow, never would have guessed Ellinger and I thought Rongen would say no. I can't say that I would be upset at any of these hires. Maybe like to see John Harkes on this list, but not bad.

[davide]

[i]Wow, never would have guessed Ellinger and I thought Rongen would say no. I can't say that I would be upset at any of these hires. Maybe like to see John Harkes on this list, but not bad.

Rongen isn't going to say no. I heard him interviewed last year and he didn't hide that he desperately wants to coach again in MLS.

I'd rate the coaches as follows:

Best choices:
1a Rongen- Won MLS title, lost big as well, experienced, great w/ U-20 team
1b. Ellinger- keeps churning out players at U-17 level, former players like him, only experience in MLS as assistant to Fitz.
3. Sampson- not many of his former players seem to like him, has been critical of MLS in the past. Blasted UCLA A.D. when he was turned down for that job.
4. Myernick- Failed at U23 level, failed in Colorado, MLS experience is only plus.

[the cup]

4. Myernick- Failed at U23 level, failed in Colorado, MLS experience is only plus.

I wouldn't say Myernick failed in Colorado, he did lead them to MLS Cup 97.

[tabramos10]

Cross your fingers it's not Sampson.

[davide]

I wouldn't say Myernick failed in Colorado, he did lead them to MLS Cup 97.

Fair enough. They finished the '97 season with a 14-18, but they did make a nice run in the playoffs.

Mooch also claims to have "discovered" Jason Thompson when he was playing PDL ball, so maybe he could find some more gems.

[ED Fajardo]

With the exception of Tomas Rongen, I can't beleive this is the best SLC has been able to come up with so far. Ellinger? He of the fifth place finish at the U-17 World Championship who employed an insipid pass-the-ball-to-Freddie offense? This after sequestering the team at Bradenburg Florida for two years leading up to the games and the only offrnse he could come up with was the thump and run? Oh, did I mention he isn't to thrilled with Hispanic players?
Steve Sampson? He chocked in WC-98 and just got booted from the Costa Rica job. To be fair though, he probably would make a good GM or head of scouting because he has done a terrific job in SCal identifying talent, particularly hispanic talent. Plus, he has good contacts in the soccer community.
Mooch Myernick? Give me a break. He has a losing record and none of his teams were neither exciting or creative. Looks like Palocracy is rearing it's ugly head again because the same names keep popping up whenever there's a vacancy. I'm surprise dave Dir's name hasn't come up. I hope Dean Howe has been getting good advice from whoever is advising him. He could do his team alot of damage before his team even hits the field by picking a bad coach and GM. You think CD Chivas will waste their time interviewing any of these clowns (except maybe for Rongen)? Mr Howe, be very careful who you are listening to; you may wind up buying snake oil.

[copaantl98]

Cross your fingers it's not Sampson.

Amen.

[Blitzz Boy]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_2390478

Not much here that we don't already know. And they spelled Damarcus' name wrong.

Fajardo is right, the more I see the four names on this list, the more I like Dave Dir.

But until I see his name come up, I will still be a Sampsonista. Who took a point in the Azteca? Who beat Brazil? Who can correct the grammar of Telemundo & Radio Unica reporters?

[Juan Luis Guerra]

Former Galaxy Coach, Octavio Zambrano, a proven winner. He has One of the best win/lost record in the history of MLS.

[Sandon Mibut]

Former Galaxy Coach, Octavio Zambrano, a proven winner. He has One of the best win/lost record in the history of MLS.I'm amazed his name doesn't come up more often. That team he had in 98 set records that still stand for points, wins, goals and goal/differential AND led the league in defense.

They had the misfortune of running into a very good Chicago Fire team in the playoffs that was peaking and hitting on all cylindars, but the 98 Galaxy were still a great team.

He also did a good job with the MetroStars his first two years there. He took over after the Bora debacle when they were the worst team in league history and had them in the playoffs his first two seasons there. Granted, things fell apart in 03, but overall, Zambrano has a pretty good track record, certainly better than Glenn "I choke in big games" Myernick.

[copaantl98]

Cross your fingers it's not Sampson.

3-6-1! Oh yeah!

[ED Fajardo]

I like Zambrano, too. The only negative on him is that in the past he has taken everything too personally and it has affected some of his coaching decisions. He's a good tachtician and an excellent judge of talent. last I heard he had recently quit his personnel position on the Metrostars to pursue coaching. He's certainly a notch or two better than those on the SLC shortlist.

[ProfZodiac]

I can't believe you guys are psyched about Rongen. You've all forgotten what he did for the Revs - missed the playoffs multiple times. Go ask on the Rev board - he's widely hated.

Go with Myernick.

[pething101]

I can't believe you guys are psyched about Rongen. You've all forgotten what he did for the Revs - missed the playoffs multiple times. Go ask on the Rev board - he's widely hated.

Go with Myernick.

Pretty sure he is not too well recieved on the DC United boards either.

[prk166]

NO RONGEN

NO RONGEN

NO RONGEN

NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stanleyt]

I like Zambrano, too... He's a good tachtician and an excellent judge of talent. last I heard he had recently quit his personnel position on the Metrostars to pursue coaching. He's certainly a notch or two better than those on the SLC shortlist.

That's why I'm inclined to think that Oz would head up Chivas USA. He's a proven winner (minus an MLS Cup) and has assisted in the development of various players (Mathis). He knows the "intricacies" of MLS and would probably have an excellent opportunity to create a team of
his choosing.

He'd also be the sharpest and extremly well-groomed coach in this league. Everybody else is just wearing the warmups. :D

[Bleacherbutt]

God help SLC if they pick one of the MLS/USMNT retreads listed here. Please for goodness sake, do something outside the box.

[davide]

That's why I'm inclined to think that Oz would head up Chivas USA. He's a proven winner (minus an MLS Cup) and has assisted in the development of various players (Mathis). He knows the "intricacies" of MLS and would probably have an excellent opportunity to create a team of
his choosing.

He'd also be the sharpest and extremly well-groomed coach in this league. Everybody else is just wearing the warmups. :D

I'd guess Chivas will bring in some coach from Mexico. I don't think Zambrano (Ecuadorian) will get a sniff at that job.

[soccerfan]

how about a young coach, former World Cup player '90 -'94 ?who would it be