Osorio Resigns As Red Bull Coach

By: Dave Martinez | August 21st, 2009

It has finally come to pass. Juan Carlos Osorio has resigned as Head Coach of the New York Red Bulls after accumulating one of the worst single season records in MLS history, culminating with an embarrassing loss to the lowly W Connection in the CONCACAF Champions League competition. Osorio shall be replaced in the interim by Richie Williams, whom many will recall helped guide the Bulls to the 2006 playoffs after Mo Johnson’s departure.

Osorio compiled a 12-27-13 record in two years with the team, but paradoxically lead the team to the MLS Cup Finals last year for the first time in club history. Expectations were high entering the season, further supported by the many signings that were supposed to reinforce the winning core of the team. Obviously, that never came to pass. And so was the story of Osorio’s 2009; nothing worked out as expected.

In a team statement, Managing Director Erik Stover focused on Osorio’s accomplishments rather than his failures:

“It has been a difficult season for Juan Carlos and he felt that it was in the best interest of the team to step aside. I want to personally thank Juan Carlos for his efforts with the Red Bulls organization. It was under his leadership last season that the team won the Western Conference Championship and reached the MLS Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

And as for Osorio? His final words contained a long awaited mea culpa to the fan base;

“I want to apologize to the fans for the results this season. I want to thank the players for their hard work. I would also like to thank the club for the opportunity to coach the team for the past two seasons.”

In the end, what will be Juan Carlos Osorio’s Metro Bull legacy? Will he be remembered as the team leader and motivator, who found the right formula late in a mediocre season to carry the team into the MLS Cup Final for the first time in franchise history? Or will he be remembered as the deer in headlights coach who could not find his way out of a season long losing streak? One thing is for sure; in the end, Juan Carlos Osorio finally showed accountability for this disaster of a season by resigning, whether it was forced or otherwise. And that accountability was something Red Bull fans have been waiting to hear for a long time now.

And so the Bulls move forward with Richie Williams,and the future is certainly filled with question marks. Does this coaching change bring back your interest in the team? And what are your thoughts on Osorio’s firing (gee, I wonder)? How long till Agoos is cooked? Share your thoughts.