The San Jose Earthquakes are leaving no stone unturned in their hunt for a new general manager.
The Quakes announced on Wednesday that they have hired Nolan Partners, the world’s largest sports executive search firm, to help identify candidates for the vacancy opened by longtime GM John Doyle's departure earlier this year.
Technical director Chris Leitch is currently serving as San Jose’s interim GM.
“The Earthquakes are searching for general manager with a clear strategic plan to build the soccer operations department from the ground up,” said Quakes president Dave Kaval in a statement. “The club now has the infrastructure in place for long-term success. We believe that Nolan Partners can help us find the best candidate that is so vital to the club’s future. We want to give our fan base a team that competes for championships every year.”
Nolan Partners are based in London but maintain offices in New York and Los Angeles and have previously helped English giants Tottenham Hotspur and Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos fill positions similar to San Jose's GM job. Nolan have also worked with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Nolan's process includes consultation with the searching club, researching and advertising for suitable candidates and assisting with the selection process. The firm plans to hunt both domestically and globally for the Quakes' next GM.
“We'd be remiss to not look at what's directly under our noses in Major League Soccer,” said Group Managing Director and founder Paul Nolan. “However, we're also broadening our search toward candidates with football/soccer experience in England, Germany, the Netherlands and other developed European markets.
“The Earthquakes GM is a fascinating search on a number of levels and is further demonstration of the development and progression MLS, and the Quakes in particular, is making. We'll be identifying, attracting and comparing the best talent from continents and leagues around the world.”
