MLS Coaching Carousel first ends in Kansas City as Chivas joins the fray

Wednesday, 11 November 09, 08:23 AM · Comments (0)

For those clubs already in the thick of the offseason -- and after last weekend, the tally grew to 11 -- there are plenty of issues to wrestle with. Some clubs, like D.C. United, New York Red Bull and Toronto FC, high on the list is finding a head coach for next season.

One club checked head coach off the list, as the Kansas City Wizards named Peter Vermes as their top man. Or if you want to be technical, Vermes named himself head coach. An odd move, as the Technical Director of the Wizards is now also the manager. While that isn't the most unusual development, it's difficult to imagine the Wizards' experiencing tremendous success with a coach who led them to a 3-6-3 record this year.

Curt Onalfo, the former coach of Kansas City who was relieved of his duties in August, failed to achieve the success that the Kansas City front office desired. What makes this situation particular is Onalfo underachieved with the players that he brought in with Vermes -- that's what a technical director does, after all.

Underachievement has always been the key word associated with the Wizards, particularly the past season. After qualifying for the playoffs in the past two seasons, they looked primed for a deep run into the postseason. The club never got off the ground, despite boasting a solid yet young defense led by veteran Jimmy Conrad and anchored by old head Kevin Hartman.

However, the defense didn't live up to its billing and the attack sputtered despite the presence of Josh Wolff and Claudio Lopez, posting the second-worst goal tally in MLS. What Vermes can do different will all hinge on the players he brings in. And if he is to be believed, major changes will take place.

Preki Out?

It's only taken two days since Preki's Chivas USA was knocked out for rumors to swirl about the coach being let go by his current employers. If that is the case -- something that is not unexpected -- don't be shocked if the former U.S. international spends only a short time unemployed.

The Washington Post is reporting that Preki could wind up in Chicago, either as an assistant to U.S. head coach Bob Bradley or Chicago Fire manager Denis Hamlett. That's an odd time for a rumor, as Hamlett is poised to lead the Fire to the MLS Cup. Not the sort of news an organization wants floating around the week of a Conference Final.

Those two options aside, United could also be a contender for Preki. He's the kind of coach they would need, with an accomplished MLS track record and an expert knowledge of the league. Of the three clubs in the coaching hunt, United seems to have the front office capability to make the call for Preki, as Toronto and New York have failed to inspire confidence.

As mentioned yesterday, it is understandable to see Preki and Chivas part ways. Time for them to try something new, and the way that develops will be interesting to keep an eye on.

MLS Coaching Carousel first ends in Kansas City as Chivas joins the fray

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