November 3, 2009 SOEHN STEPS DOWN Will United go after Williams?
Will D.C. United hire Richie Williams as coach while the Red Bulls await the appointment of a sporting director? Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
A coaching position has opened up in MLS and the team would be right up Richie Williams' alley.
Tom Soehn Tuesday removed his name from consideration for D.C. United head's coaching positioning before his contract expires in December.
Williams, who has been a Red Bulls assistant the past four seasons, would be a perfect fit for United. A former United player, Williams is considered one of the best head coaching prospects in MLS after guiding the Red Bulls on an interim basis twice in the past three years. The Red Bulls (5-19-5) went 3-3-2 with Williams in charge after coach Juan Carlos Osorio resigned Aug. 21.
Williams, a popular player at RFK Stadium, performed at United for the club's first five seasons before he was dealt to the MetroStars prior to the 2001 season. He returned to United for 2002, but was back with the MetroStars a year later.
The Red Bulls are in the midst of looking for a sporting director and coach after their dismal season. Managing director Erik Stover has said he has been impressed with Williams' performance, although the sporting director will have the final say on the head coach.
If United is interested, Williams could be gobbled up quickly because D.C. announced it had begun the process to select a new coach.
Under Soehn, United was 36-30-24 and 0-1-1 in the playoffs, but won the 2008 Lamar Hunt/U.S. Open Cup. D.C. failed to qualify for the post-season this year.
"My family and I have spent a lot of time in reaching this very difficult decision," Soehn said in a statement.
Soehn replaced Peter Nowak as coach Dec. 21, 2006 after serving three years as his assistant.
“Tommy has done an outstanding job at D.C. United, first as an assistant and then as our head coach,” United president and CEO Kevin Payne said in a statement. “Over the past three seasons, Tommy has faced greater challenges than any other Major League Soccer coach. His record in all competitions this season was outstanding and he should not be judged on the basis of missing the MLS Cup Playoffs. Tommy is a fine young coach and I know we will face him in the future in MLS play. I wish him all of the luck in the world.”
