Someone again tell me why Richie williams wouldn't be a better candidate than Soehn?

[4mybroRRT]

I mean Williams actually took a god-awful team, with much less talent, in NYRB and steered them to a nice streak of games where they didn't lose, put them in a winner's mind-set, handled Guervera with the composure of an experienced coach, and actually made a case forhimself a a valid coaching choice AFTER Arena was already hired!

Richie Williams has more ties to DCU's legendary past and obviously would command the respect of the players, esp. Moreno & Olsen, DCU's team leaders. He knows the expectations of the fans and the way Arena thinks when we face NYRB during rivalry, divisional matches.

I can't believe he wasn't considered...or, at least, interviewed. At least, Dallas did...and I think they made a similar coaching hire mistake as well.

I mean, what exactly has Soehn done more that what Richie Williams had done to merit such a backing by "Bring-On-da-Payne".

I think we're in for a rude awakening when we see Soehn doesn't have the history or pull as a MLS or US Nat's team player that has won championships/caps like a Nowak (Poland player of the year/Capt), and Richie Williams (Titles w/ DCU), and eventually Agoos (just name it) possess. I think it won't carry to far with players like Moreno, Olsen, and other aspiring players. He might come off to be too much of a players' coach...someone "Gulati-esque" Kev can keep in check and remain unchallenged in team meetings, not questioned...

Soehn is not the OBVIOUS choice here...I think that will be immediately exposed in Champions Cup and against NYRB, NE, and CHI...all better, more savvy MLS coaches...

I really think Richie williams could have held his own among those three...

Not sold on this one...

[jason1551]

Wow. Simply wow.

The idea that RW is a more qualified coach than Soehn is too ridiculous for words. Ignoring the fact that Soehn is also a championship winner (98 MLS Cup with Chicago Fire, 98 and 2000 Open Cup with the Fire), he is a proven assistant coach (2 MLS Cup appearances, plus a reserve championship and SS) who was ready to take over a head coaching position. RW took a team under turmoil and won a handful of games. That's hardly justification or proof that he could handle a club like DC.

[DCAustinite]

I mean Williams actually took a god-awful team, with much less talent, in NYRB and steered them to a nice streak of games where they didn't lose, put them in a winner's mind-set, handled Guervera with the composure of an experienced coach, and actually made a case forhimself a a valid coaching choice AFTER Arena was already hired!

Richie Williams has more ties to DCU's legendary past and obviously would command the respect of the players, esp. Moreno & Olsen, DCU's team leaders. He knows the expectations of the fans and the way Arena thinks when we face NYRB during rivalry, divisional matches.

I can't believe he wasn't considered...or, at least, interviewed. At least, Dallas did...and I think they made a similar coaching hire mistake as well.

I mean, what exactly has Soehn done more that what Richie Williams had done to merit such a backing by "Bring-On-da-Payne".

I think we're in for a rude awakening when we see Soehn doesn't have the history or pull as a MLS or US Nat's team player that has won championships/caps like a Nowak (Poland player of the year/Capt), and Richie Williams (Titles w/ DCU), and eventually Agoos (just name it) possess. I think it won't carry to far with players like Moreno, Olsen, and other aspiring players. He might come off to be too much of a players' coach...someone "Gulati-esque" Kev can keep in check and remain unchallenged in team meetings, not questioned...

Soehn is not the OBVIOUS choice here...I think that will be immediately exposed in Champions Cup and against NYRB, NE, and CHI...all better, more savvy MLS coaches...

I really think Richie williams could have held his own among those three...

Not sold on this one...

Nice to see you here on bigsoccer, Ritchie.

[nobletea]

Nice to see you here on bigsoccer, Ritchie.

No dude, that's only his brother. Obviously they're upset because his phone didn't even ring before Soehn took the job.

[rugman]

Could it really be Fro, certain bro of a player gone adieu?

[GoDC]

I don't see it as an outrageous idea at all but I think the key was just continuity. The team has to be ready to play at a high level in just 2 months and bringing in a whole new staff wouldn't be the best idea. PLust Richie already has a job as far as I know. If we had more time to decide I would imagine he would have been a candidate.

[schmuckatelli]

The real reason you hire Tommy Soehn and don't interview Richie Williams is to give the players who remain a feeling of continuity. It says to Moreno, Gomez, etc., we believe in you.

If United had had a crap season, mailed in a few results, then maybe you go fishing, interview everybody, maybe even hire Williams. If you're the GM and you intend a total organizational shakeup, then that's what you do. Clearly that was not in order here.

[AlecW81]

4mybro is a freddy fan boy for sure. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some sort of connection. ABMOD might be a good head coach at some point in the future, but not just yet.

[nobletea]

I don't see it as an outrageous idea at all but I think the key was just continuity. The team has to be ready to play at a high level in just 2 months and bringing in a whole new staff wouldn't be the best idea. PLust Richie already has a job as far as I know. If we had more time to decide I would imagine he would have been a candidate.


This point should be emphasized now given the day's big piece of news.

[GoDC]

This point should be emphasized now given the day's big piece of news.

It might make my point less valid. Since we'll only have about 3 starters back from last year I am not sure the coaching staff matters. :p

[Sandon Mibut]

Payne’s been waitin’ a long time to promote one of his lead assistants to head coach of United.

Bradley – took the Fire job a year before Arena left
Sarachan – took the USNT asst. job two years before Rongen got canned.
Yallop – took the San Jose job a year before Rongen got canned
Onalfo – took the USNT asst. job a year before Hudson got canned
Soehn – was about to become Chivas USA head coach before Nowak resigned

The first three on that list have gone on to win three of the last nine MLS Cups, two Supporters Shields and four Open Cups. I’m sure Payne was happy for them but I bet he was a little peeved they weren’t doing it for his team.

Richie Williams was a great player for United and is gonna be a successful head coach in MLS some day. And likely sooner rather than later. However, he has one pro season as an assistant coach and two college seasons as an assistant and Soehn has been an MLS assistant since 2001. Combine that with him having been here the past three years and I think this was pretty much a no-brainer.

[monster]

I don't think Richie would have been a bad choice, but just because he might turn out to be a good MLS coach does not mean Tom Soehn won't.