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TORONTO, Canada—Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney stepped down as head coach and technical director of the club Tuesday morning, leaving behind a legacy that’s unparalleled.
Personally, I have precious little to say—still unpacking. But here’s a round-up of what the internet thinks:
NEWS | Greg Vanney steps down as Toronto FC Head Coach#TFCLive
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) December 1, 2020
BREAKING: Toronto FC has announced that head coach Greg Vanney has decided to step down from his role. The club says the search for his replacement will begin immediately.
— CP24 (@CP24) December 1, 2020
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit smoking. https://t.co/hc9CDZ5pK8
— Jeffrey P Nesker (@JeffreyPNesker) December 1, 2020
I'll throw this thought out there: I wonder how much playing in East Hartford this season—and potentially starting there next season—contributed to Greg Vanney's decision to step down. #TFCLive
— Michael Singh (@MichaelSingh94) December 1, 2020
Greg Vanney just accompanied the near impossible—he left a coaching job on his terms.
— Duane Rollins (@24thminute) December 1, 2020
Replacing him is TFC’s biggest challenge since they were renting double decker buses.
Wouldn't be surprised if this has already been backchanneled and I know it's not exactly an original take, but the LA Galaxy should really hire Greg Vanney.
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) December 1, 2020
Wish nothing but the best for Greg Vanney.
— Matthew Cauz (@mcauz56) December 1, 2020
But can he just NOT end up with the LA Galaxy. After
Kawhi, Ibaka & Gasol can we have a different State to be angry at?
Well... today’s show just got a whole lot more interesting, join us for some live reaction to the Vanney news and plenty more. https://t.co/nYBVNmz4KX
— Mitchell Tierney (@mitchelltierney) December 1, 2020
Just spoke with Greg Vanney on his decision to step down as Toronto FC head coach. Said it was a decision he's thought about for a long time and one he consulted with his family on.
— Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) December 1, 2020
"It's time for us to move on and encounter some new experiences." #TFCLive
Anyone else think it’s a good time to see what Preki is up to? #TFClive
— James (@huttonjp) December 1, 2020
Also Tuesday https://t.co/XHdrGbMOQk
— Eric Giacometti (@Eric_Giacometti) December 1, 2020
#TFCLive Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty on Instagram: “Thank you Greg for all you’ve done. For believing in me...” pic.twitter.com/QqNeQ1fHie
— Michael Singh (@MichaelSingh94) December 1, 2020
Apologies in advance for adding to what I'm sure will be several tweets along these lines but there are few people I've covered who, to my judgment at least, have been as fundamentally decent as Greg Vanney. He's a major loss to #TFCLive not only as a coach but as a person.
— Oliver Platt (@plattoli) December 1, 2020
I generally try to keep personal thoughts out when dealing with #TFCLive, but this one is hard. Greg epitomizes class and dignity. Routinely spoke with media for 20-30 minutes after training. Soft spoken and genuine. He will be missed. I will miss him.
— Michael Leach (@MLeach680News) December 1, 2020
Alright, who’s cutting the onions? https://t.co/a0Sg0T4IqO
— Waking the Red (@WakingtheRed) December 1, 2020
After 250 matches, Vanney leaves @TorontoFC with 94 more wins than any other coach. #TFCLive @WakingtheRed @vocalminorityCA @24thminute @joshuakloke https://t.co/bRe8ce6b2I pic.twitter.com/STtD4o58KF
— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) December 1, 2020
This photo says it all. #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/yJ3ycnhkqk
— Waking the Red (@WakingtheRed) December 1, 2020
A few years ago, I wrote an in-depth oral history of #TFCLive. I sat down with Vanney for about an hour and he gave me great insight during our chat.https://t.co/E9sAutA64t
— John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) December 1, 2020
Hot take: 2021 to be Erickson Gallardo’s coming out year now that Vanney is gone. Discuss #TFCLive
— Will Dunn - WD Photography (@WDPhotography3) December 1, 2020
Even tho Greg yelled at me once or twice, I've yet to come across a professional athlete, agent, or coach who has shown the class & willingness that Vanney did. He was always generous with his time & helped a lot of reporters (myself included) w/ his thoughtful replies. #TFCLive
— Michael Singh (@MichaelSingh94) December 1, 2020
Since you're all wondering, here's my statement regarding the TFC news (so far) today pic.twitter.com/gXmaPuG00T
— Max Power (fake internet name) (@DJFuzzboy) December 1, 2020
Incredibly generous. Vanney didn't really know who I was yet still once gave me a 15-minute explanation of a minor tactical shift involving Ager Aketxe when I asked him.
— Charlie O'Connor-Clarke (@charliejclarke) December 1, 2020
He just really, really likes talking about soccer. https://t.co/wWs5SwuoYf
I can’t thank Greg Vanney enough for the role he played in my career early on. Thank you for believing in me!! All the best to you and your family. pic.twitter.com/aRQD3jrUpx
— Ifunanyachi Achara (@AcharaIfy10) December 1, 2020
Time for GV’s final press conference… pic.twitter.com/YnO5QerCky
— Eric Giacometti (@Eric_Giacometti) December 1, 2020
This one hit weirdly different pic.twitter.com/ZqUmT3MQIp
— Waking the Red (@WakingtheRed) December 1, 2020
Greg Vanney is in tears as he speaks about Toronto FC, not the results on the field but the people behind the scene. He's spent the first 10 minutes of his exit press conference thanking everyone from top to bottom of the club.
— Laura Armstrong (@lauraarmy) December 1, 2020
Vanney: "I'm a builder. I like to build things. I like projects. This club is in a good place. There's not a lot of building to do." #TFCLive
— Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) December 1, 2020
#TFCLive Jozy Altidore’s Instagram post re: Greg Vanney: “... We did what we talked about 6 years ago. Set a new standard in MLS but with flair, style, and discipline...” pic.twitter.com/brJNK4tHMj
— Michael Singh (@MichaelSingh94) December 1, 2020
Thank You Greg Vanney for everything you did for me on and off the field, You raised my level up, You trusted me when nobody trusted me and thanks to you i became a better man. I will miss you a lot. Thank you again ! #GregVanney #TFCLive https://t.co/hp5dydfbyc
— Chris Mavinga (@Chris_Mavinga) December 1, 2020
I can't even begin to explain what Vanney walked into. The locker room at #TFClive was a frat house. They'd lose a match and you couldn't tell. Music going, smiles and shrugs, "oh wells"
— Armen Bedakian ⁶ (@ArmenBedakian) December 1, 2020
He (and to a large extent, Michael Bradley) kicked all that shit to the curb, fast. https://t.co/NULvTK7x69
Vanney appreciation tweet. Can't overstate how he turned our young club around and made us serial contenders. #TFClive https://t.co/dGYfabpRoS
— Andy Toronto (@CoysYyz) December 1, 2020
It’s the end of an era at #TFCLive. Nothing but respect, thanks and gratitude to Greg Vanney and all his contributions
— Rob Ditta (@RobDitta) December 1, 2020
Without him at the helm for the past, what, 7 years(?) there’s no way we’d have reached the heights we reached.
Greg Vanney finishes his tenure at @TorontoFC with... 112 wins
— Red Patch Boys (@RedPatchBoys) December 1, 2020
A significant number to us for obvious reasons. #GV112 forever and always! #TFClive
You transitioned from a clean-shaven man into a beautiful dishevelled mess. You did this for us and we love you for it.
— Kings In The North (@KingsInTheNorth) December 1, 2020
Together we achieved great things. We'll always have those glorious nights at BMO Field.
Thank you for everything, Greg.
Always a King.#tfclive #gregvanney pic.twitter.com/qsQjklzGwu
We #TFCLive loyalists, there since day 1, remember the chaos days prior to Vanney. Today he deserves full praise and hearty salute. Shuddering quietly at how the next steps could go so wrong.
— Mark Kennedy (@stillkickingtfc) December 1, 2020
Greg Vanney thank you @TorontoFC #TFCLive for all the amazing moments in 6 years. 3 mls cup finals,1 mls cup,@Concacaf final,supporters shield,mls points record, Canadian cups?,big derby wins vs Impact & eastern conference final champions x3. ◾️ thank you #GregVanney #Torontofc pic.twitter.com/ih4NZnea8l
— Devon Jackson (@devons_jackson) December 1, 2020
A lot is going to be written about Vanney's tenure at #TFCLive focusing on the success he had.
— John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) December 1, 2020
For me, what stands out most about him is his genuine kindness and humanity.
He is a good guy who was incredibly generous with his time when speaking to me and other reporters.
The Gregfather Legacy pic.twitter.com/Z9bULX83ev
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) December 1, 2020