CARSON, CALIF. (Sept. 10, 2018) – Not even Zlatan Ibrahimović could save the coaching career of Sigi Schmid. Schmid has coached in the sport of soccer since 1980. He began his coaching journey with the University of California, Los Angeles. Now, he’s wrapping up his coaching career with the LA Galaxy.
Sigi Schmid steps down as LA Galaxy head coach
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away from coaching at this time, but would like to remain in the game,” Schmid said. “With six games remaining as the club fights for a playoff spot, I understand the timing of this decision is unfortunate. However, I believe this group can come together and fight for a spot this season under Dom’s guidance.”
Schmid called his time with the Galaxy a “significant” part of his life and career. He thanked owner Philip Anschutz, Galaxy fans, players and the entire club for “their support during my time here.”
Before joining the Galaxy, Schmid was the longtime head coach of the Seattle Sounders FC. He was named the club’s first-ever head coach in 2009 and remained in the position until 2016. He was replaced by Brian Schmetzer, who is currently in charge.
However, his first experience in MLS coaching began with the Galaxy. He joined the organization in 1999 and remained in California until 2004. Schmid’s record with the Galaxy was 79-53-32 throughout his entire time in Los Angeles.
#ScarvesUp pic.twitter.com/GBATVoxqQT
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 7, 2018
Dominic Kinnear named interim head coach
After serving as a head coach for the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo in his career, Dominic Kinnear is the interim head coach for the Galaxy.
He was brought to the team last year.
His head coaching experience has five years with San Jose and nine seasons with the Dynamo. Kinnear, in the same press release, expressed his appreciation for Schmid and the Galaxy for accepting him last season.
“Our focus now is to win as many games as possible through the end of the season,” Kinnear said.
However, Kinnear is likely to not retain the position into next season. After thanking Schmid for his service to the Galaxy, Chris Klein, Galaxy president, said that the next head coach search will begin “immediately.
“Dom is one of the finest coaches in the history of this league, and we trust him to lead this group for the remainder of the season,” Klein said. “His keen understanding of our team and MLS will serve us well for the last six games of the season.”
What’s Next?
The Galaxy are in the hunt for the playoffs.
Sitting in eighth place in the MLS Western Conference, the Galaxy hold 38 points to its name. The sixth-place team, which is the final spot for the playoffs, is the Seattle Sounders, who hold on to 41 points.
The Galaxy have four matches left in 2018, with the next fixture coming on Saturday against Toronto FC. On the road at BMO Field, the match will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
2️⃣ chips. 1️⃣ phenomenal finish. @Ari_Lassiter15 and @efrain_alvarez1 showing out for @lagalaxyii last night 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/3nFp7jLuXe
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 9, 2018
