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TORONTO, Canada—The search for Toronto FC’s next coach has reportedly come down to three candidates, according to a report from Steven Goff of the Washington Post Monday evening.
Goff doesn’t mention any names specifically, but according to Duane Rollins (@24thminute), Arsenal FC legend and former New York City FC gaffer Patrick Vieira remains the frontrunner for the Reds’ head coaching gig, which has been left vacant since Greg Vanney stepped down on Dec. 1.
Everything that we have heard suggests the #TFCLive job is going to go to Patrick Vieira -- an offer is out.
— Duane Rollins (@24thminute) January 4, 2021
I wouldn't read much into there not being an announcement yet. They'll want someone in place before the draft, likely (Jan 21). Still some time.
Other names that have surfaced over the past week include former New York Red Bulls manager Chris Armas according to MLSSoccer.com, as well as former United States international Steve Cherundolo, according to Sports Illustrated’s Kristian Dyer. Former PSG manager Laurent Blanc was reportedly also coveted by the Reds, but ultimately signed with a club in Qatar last month.
Toronto FC are one of three teams across Major League Soccer (MLS) who are in need of a new head coach. D.C. United are still in the midst of a very deep dive to replace Ben Olsen, while L.A. Galaxy are expected to name Vanney as their next head coach as early as today.
While the names that have surfaced are more than likely under consideration by TFC, we wouldn’t rule out the possibility of an outside candidate emerging. Both Ali Curtis and Bill Manning have gone on record stating that they are going to keep things on the down-low when it comes to the club’s ongoing coaching search.
Toronto FC have been extremely quiet this offseason after a disappointing end to their 2020 campaign. In addition to naming a new head coach, the Reds still need to sign a new designated player, a left-back, and more than likely a new centre-back after Laurent Ciman and Eriq Zavaleta’s contracts both expired at the end of the year.
Of course, if your Toronto FC, you’d probably like to wait until a head coach is in place in order to make roster decisions in coordination, however, it’s January 5 ... and the clock is ticking.
Players were expected to report to training camp later this month, however, the league’s decision to exercise the Force Majeure clause in the latest CBA potentially puts that in jeopardy.
On a different note, TFC are still unsure if they will be able to play in Toronto in 2021.
How concerned are you that Toronto FC have yet to hire a new head coach? Or do you believe they are doing the right thing, taking their time to ensure they get the hire correct? Let us know in the comments.