MLS Football Club, Austin FC, have sacked their manager, Josh Wolff after they missed out on the MLS playoff for the second time under the watch of the US football tactician.
The club announced the dismissal of the former USMNT player-turned-manager in a club statement from its majority owner and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Precourt.
Precourt conveyed the club’s goodwill to Wolff as the first manager of the club, thanking him for his role in the development of the club.
However, he added the club needed a new start under a new manager after failing to qualify for the MLS playoff for the second time in a row.
Precourt also clarified that the club had met with Wolff before the decision to end their collaboration.
“As the first manager in club history, we would like to extend our gratitude for Josh’s role in the growth and development of our club,” majority owner and CEO Anthony Precourt said in a statement.
“After back-to-back seasons without playoff qualification, we realize that a fresh start is required next season under the leadership of a new coach.”
Wolff joined Austin FC as first team manager in 2019. He was the first manager of the club after it was ratified by MLS as a full-blown professional football club liable to compete in the US elite division.
Three years after assuming the reins as the club’s manager, Wolff reached his biggest milestone, leading them to the MLS Western Conference final.
However, the landmark achievement was followed with a not-so-stellar run in the following two seasons with the team unable to qualify for the MLS playoffs on both occasions.
Josh Wolff’s managerial record with Austin FC
Josh Wolff kept Austin FC as an average club in the MLS. His biggest achievement was reaching the MLS Western Conference final. Since then, the team has fallen down the pecking order.
He recorded more losses than wins in his 135 matches as the club’s manager. A further breakdown showed he managed 40 wins, drew 30, and lost 60 in MLS regular season.
The final straw that broke the camel’s back was the club’s 2-1 defeat to L.A Galaxy on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The loss sealed the team’s fate of a second straight disqualification from the MLS playoff.
Josh Wolff joins piling list of MLS managers sacked this season
Josh Wolff’s sack as Austin FC’s head coach has seen him join the list of MLS football managers who have been sacked this season.
Nashville’s head coach Gary Smith was the first MLS manager to be sacked this season. The 55-year-old was sacked on May 16, 2024, after seven seasons with the club. Atalanta United FC head coach and Mexican tactician Gonzalo Pineda was the second to be shown the exit door. Pineda was sacked on June 3, 2024, following Atlanta United’s underwhelming campaign this season.
On June 6, 2024, 41-year-old Valencia-born Spanish tactician Nico Estevez was also relieved of his role as FC Dallas manager after two seasons with the club.
Still in June 2024, US soccer tactician Luchi Gonzalez lost his job as San Jose Earthquakes manager after a year with the club. On July 1, 2024, former South Africa international and football manager Bradley Carnell was on the list of MLS managers sacked. Carnell, 47, was sacked as St Louis City manager after two seasons with the club.
What is next for Josh Wolff?
Josh Wolff is a revered US soccer manager with an outstanding profile both as a former player and manager in American soccer. Before he took up Austin FC’s managerial role, he worked as assistant manager for DC United and Columbus Crew. He was also part of the United States senior national team coaching crew under former head coach Gregg Berhalter.
He is well-placed to take up another coaching offer in US soccer following the Austin FC deadlock. However, he has yet to be linked to any role.
