Real Salt Lake announced Monday afternoon that they have dismissed Head Coach Jeff Cassar.
SANDY– Real Salt Lake announced Monday afternoon that they have dismissed Head Coach Jeff Cassar.
“We want to thank Jeff for his many contributions to the success of Real Salt Lake over the past decade, including our championship run in 2009. Jeff has always handled himself with class and dignity and represented the organization and community extremely well,” RSL Owner Dell Loy Hansen said. “We wish Jeff and his family much success in their future endeavors.”
Cassar first came to the club as an assistant under Jason Kreis in 2007 through the 2013 season. Throughout that time RSL reached the MLS Cup Final twice, winning the title in 2009 over the LA Galaxy. The Club also became the first MLS club in history to reach the finals in the CONCACAF Champions League back in 2011.
Cassar took over the position of Head Coach prior to 2014 season and went 38-37-30 throughout his time with RSL, reaching the playoffs twice. RSL finished the 2016 on a seven-match winless streak and are currently 0-2-1 in 2017 with one goal scored.
“At the conclusion of last season, we felt that while we were disappointed in the end result, Jeff had done enough to earn another shot to lead the team in the 2017 campaign. We have a high sense of urgency for progress this season, and have made many off-season changes towards that endeavor. So, while these decisions are always difficult, we, as an organization, felt that it was necessary to make the change in our head coaching position now,” Waibel said. “The process for a hiring new head coach to lead the club has already begun. We will work quickly and diligently to ensure that we find the right leader that shares our values, passion, commitment and vision.”
RSL Director of Goalkeeping, Daryl Shore, will serve as Interim Head Coach during the process of hiring a new coach. Shore joined Real Salt Lake as Goalkeeper Coach in 2014, prior to RSL he served as Head Coach of the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL.
The organization hosted a conference call with general manager Craig Waibel to discuss the direction of the club Monday night – you can listen to the teleconference here.
Craig Waibel also joined OC and Hackett to further discuss the decision – you can listen to the interview here.
