The Seattle Sounders announced on Tuesday that they have agreed to mutually part ways with head coach Sigi Schmid. According to the Sounders website, assistant coach Brian Schmetzer will replace Schmid for the time being.
Inconsistent season leads to firing
To say that the Sounders have had a horrible season would be the understatement of the year. Just two years after winning the Supporters’ Shield, the Sounders have been in a downward spiral. They currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference standings with 20 points in 20 games played. It was clearly time for a change in Seattle.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer comments on Schmid’s release
Adrian Hanauer released the following statement regarding the release of Schmid.
“Sigi Schmid has been an invaluable member of Sounders FC since the club’s MLS launch, leading our organization to numerous trophies and a consistent winning culture for seven seasons. Sigi departs the club with our utmost respect and gratitude for his years of service. Ultimately the club and Sigi agreed that a change was needed at this time, but Sigi’s legacy will always be a part of our history. He has my sincere appreciation for all that he committed to our team and community.”
General manager Garth Lagerwey comments as well
Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey, who joined the club prior to the 2015 MLS season, commented as well.
"It's been a privilege to work with a legend like Sigi and I've learned a lot from him. We thank him for his many years of excellent service to this club. He established a foundation that led this franchise to one of the best launches in professional sports history. It will be tough for any coach to match the legacy of success he has established, and it is with a heavy heart that we part ways with such a respected figure.
In regards to Schmetzer becoming the interim coach, he had this to say.
“Brian Schmetzer will become our interim head coach and we will begin a search to identify who will lead the players for the next several years. Stability and loyalty are hallmarks of this organization and it is incumbent upon us to reset the club and make good long-term decisions about our future in an effort to establish a championship contender.”
Schmetzer led Sounders before joining MLS
Interim head coach Brian Schmetzer has been with the Sounders since 2002 during their USL days. He led them to the USL-1 Championship in 2005 and 2007. He also guided them to two Commissioner’s Cups (best regular season record) and six playoff appearance in seven years.
He was one of Schmid’s top assistants since Seattle joined MLS in 2009. In his four games filling in for Schmid for various reasons, he has a record of 3-1.
Schmid leaves lasting impression
Schmid led Seattle to four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophies (2009-2011 and 2014), a Supporters’ Shield (2014) and seven straight playoff appearances. He leaves with a record of 115-79-56 (W-L-T). What most people will associate with Schmid is his constant playoff failure while in Seattle. They never once made it to the MLS Cup Final even though they had the players to do so.
Schmid released the following statement regarding his release.
"I want to thank Seattle Sounders FC for the opportunity to lead this club over the past eight years, with particular gratitude to Adrian Hanauer, Joe Roth and the rest of the club's ownership group. I'd also like to thank my coaches and technical staff for the support they've given me, and most importantly I want to thank my players for their tremendous effort throughout the years."
Schmid continued; "I'm proud of the success we've achieved in winning five major trophies in Seattle, qualifying for the postseason for seven-straight seasons. My only disappointment is that we were unable to bring home an MLS Cup to our tremendous fans, who have always been supportive through good times and bad. In closing, I want to thank the Sounders FC organization, the club's fans and the city of Seattle for this amazing run."
What’s next
The Sounders return to action this Sunday, July 31st, against the LA Galaxy at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA. Sounders supporters will hope Schmetzer can lead the Sounders to a dramatic turnaround and somehow make the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.