Houston Dynamo Head Coach Owen Coyle heads out for, what would be, his final match at the helm on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at BBVA Compass Stadium. Coyle parted ways with the club the following day. Photo: Victor Araiza/Prost Amerika
Houston Dynamo fans have called for Owen Coyle to be relieved of his duties as Head Coach in recent weeks, especially as a reaction to recent results. On Wednesday night, they got their wish.
A little after 9:00 p.m. CT, the club officially announced they parted ways with the Scottish- born coach. The following is Coyle’s statement, made available through a club press release:
“I asked [Houston Dynamo President] 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. “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 was appointed as the second Head Coach in the short history of the Houston Dynamo on December 4, 2014. He summed up 14 wins, 21 losses, and 11 draws in Major League Soccer play during his time in the Bayou City.
Assistant Sandy Stewart and Head Coach Owen Coyle (far right) served their final match with Houston Dynamo on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at BBVA Compass Stadium. Paul Caffrey, Paul Rogers and Wade Barrett (left to right), will be in charge of the club for Saturday’s match in Vancouver. Photo: Victor Araiza/Prost Amerka
Coyle’s last game with the Dynamo was Tuesday, a friendly against La Liga side Real Sociedad. The Dynamo gave up a 3-nil lead to draw 3-3 before keeping the Dynamo Charites Cup after a 5-3 victory on penalties. (Coyle’s postgame interview can be viewed here)
Assistant Coach Sandy Stewart has also left the club. Stewart also served as Coyle’s assistant at St Johnstone, Burnley, Bolton Wanderers, and Wigan Athletic.
Assistants Wade Barrett, Paul Caffrey and Paul Rogers will manage the Dynamo in Saturday’s game at Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The team departs to Canada on Thursday.
The Houston Dynamo have not announced a timetable for installing their next head coach.
Victor Araiza is a beat writer covering the Houston Dynamo for Prost Amerika.
Follow @victoraraiza Tweet to @victoraraiza
