Unlike most league around the world, I honestly think MLS owners don't care too much about firing a coach and hiring another one and having to pay multiple salaries. If they do, they certainly hang on to many of them well after their expiration dates. In a way, I kind of see their point because if the team is crap to begin with, I've rarely seen others come in a turn it around. The only change I can think of was in 2016 when the Sounders fired Sigi Schmid and replaced him with his assistant coach Brian Schmetzer who went on to win the MLS Cup. Even that season though, Sigi Schmid brought in many quality players before he left or in midseason and that gave Schmetzer an easier path to glory. We won't ever know but I think Sigi will have had just as much success as it was his team in place and Schmetzer was his long time assistant.
I still wonder if the Galaxy are setting up a 'worst to first' story to cash in on the WC attention next year...
Sigi gave up on the team and said that they “don’t have the horses”. Then Schmetz came in and the team “without the horses” won MLS Cup. To be fair I think Seattle acquired Lodeiro midseason but Lodeiro or not, it’s a long way from “don’t have the horses” to MLS Cup. I think Schmetz deserves credit for that, and I think he’s a better coach than Sigj. I don’t see teams sticking with the same coach for years as necessarily bad. I remember Curtin going with a super young back line early in his Philly tenure and he was just - nope we’re gonna live thru the growing pains and it’ll be a win in the end, and it was. SKC probably stuck with Vermes too long but they were successful for many years and had a consistent game model that worked for them. So IOW coaching stability can lead to stability in team’s successful performance. If Bruce turns us around unfortunately it will be relatively short lived because he will probably retire in 2-3 years. He’s the Sporting Director and coach. If we’re turned around it will be essentially 100% due to him. Then what? If we don’t get a really smart coach it’ll be back to the bottom of the table. That’s why I think it would be wise to have him pick our next coach. Pat Noonan was a Bruce protégé and he’s one of the best coaches in the league.
Lodeiro was the Puig of 2016, and Sigi induced him to come. Schmetzer was along for the ride that year. Sigi was right they didn’t have the horses — until they finally got THE horse.
If I recall , Sigi decided to buy and bring in those players and they all shined and jelled under Schmetzer. Sigi (RIP) should deserve some credit for building the Sounders team since 2009 but he at that point , had already been with the club for 7 & 1/2 seasons so I can see how his time was up and that he overstayed his welcome. As for Bruce Arena turning us around and only lasting 2-3 years, it remains to be seen. In reality though , other than Steve Nichol and maybe a few others , which coach in MLS anyway, has kept their job for 5+ years? It is very rare that coaches last that long.
It's actually not rare. Just off the top of my head: - Dom - 11 years in Houston - Frank - 5+ years with the Quakes - Jim Curtin - 11 years in Philly - Sigi with the Gals - Sigi with Seattle - Bruce with the Gals - Josh Wolff with Austin - Gary Smith with Nashville - Oscar Pareja with Orlando - Pat Noonan on his 5th year with Cincinnati - ....
I mostly meant in general , not for MLS. MLS for whatever reason, loves to hang on to their coaches. Here is a quote about Vanney.... He can probably still make a comeback and salve the season when he gets his injured players back. Winless Galaxy gives Greg Vanney contract extension by Paul KennedyMay 16, 2025 Greg Vanney has been the Galaxy coach since 2021. He spent seven seasons with the Galaxy as a player (1996-2001, 2008). (Photo: LAFC)
But before that, initially I posted this... Unlike most leagues around the world, I honestly think MLS owners don't care too much about firing a coach and hiring another one and having to pay multiple salaries. Also, even taking those 10-11 coaches you listed out of the equation, it is still rare that most last 5+ years and that is true of any league including MLS. Just compare the MLS coaches who where in place in 2020 and in 2025. All I see is Schmetzer and I think even he was on the outs last year I believe. The percentages that any manger keeps a job that long are very low. Our own Matias Alemyda is goin on his 3rd job in the last 3 years. Quakes AEK and if he gets it... Club de Fútbol Monterrey Liga MX
OK, I get it. MLS holds onto coaches too long, unlike other leagues. And also, it's rare for MLS to hold onto coaches too long.
I recall hearing Dom Kinnear got his friend John Doyle to pay him $500k a year but not sure how true it was. He only lasted 2 & 1/2 seasons and then was shown the door when Jesse Fioranelli fired him after winning a game.
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Quakes’ 0-0 draw against New England last night was compelling throughout. Anyone who equates scoreless draws with bad soccer simply dislikes the sport.
Just finished watching Miami - Orlando City. Messi who looked incredibly average got another yellow card. Guess he wants a rest. He spoke to the reporter at the end of the game. Miami conceded another 3 goals and including the Quakes game, they have now been scored against 15 times in their last 3 games. MIA vs ORL 05-18-2025 |
Watching but I always thought they played their derby match at the Rose Bowl. Or is that for their July 4th match? I forget...