The Houston Dynamo announced on Wednesday that they have parted ways with head coach Owen Coyle, by mutual agreement.
“I asked Chris [Canetti] if I could speak with him today and I explained to him the challenge of being away from my family and how we all want the best for Houston Dynamo,” Coyle said in a club statement. “I want to wish all members of the staff, from owner Gabriel Brener to president Chris Canetti to general manager Matt Jordan, everyone has been such a source of support, along with the players and the technical staff. I’d like to thank the Dynamo supporters, who have been outstanding. We have a brilliant club, and I have no doubt success is just around the corner.”
Coyle, the second head coach in the club's history, was appointed ahead of the 2015 season after a career playing and coaching in his native Scotland and England. With the Dynamo, he posted a 14-21-11 record during his time in charge. Houston finished in eighth place in the Western Conference in 2015 and did not reach the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Despite several strong off-season acquisitions, including Cristian Maidana and Andrew Wenger, the Dynamo have struggled to find any consistent form this season. They currently sit in last place in the Western Conference. After a flying start to the season, including scoring eight goals in the opening two matches (a win and a draw), the Dynamo went into a tailspin, losing seven of their next 10 matches.
“It is unfortunate that we were unable to achieve the goals we set forth together and that we find ourselves mutually parting ways as a result of many professional and personal circumstances,” Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. “Without a doubt, Owen brought many great qualities to the club since his arrival 18 months ago and made a positive impression on the people around him. He is an excellent coach and an even better person, and I wish him and his terrific family nothing but the best going forward.”
“I’d like to thank Owen for all of his contributions during his time with the Houston Dynamo,” VP/general manager Matt Jordan said. “He is a true professional, a passionate coach and a good man. We wish him all the best moving forward.”
Assistant coach Sandy Stewart has also left the team.
Assistant coaches Wade Barrett, Paul Caffrey and Paul Rogers will oversee the team together on Saturday in Houston's next game, away to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The club did not put a timetable on finding a replacement for Coyle, but did state that it "will evaluate plans for the remainder of the season and make decisions that will be announced in the near future."
