By IVES GALARCEP
The deal looked all but done just days ago, but sources with knowledge of the New York Red Bulls coaching search tell SBI that Claudio Reyna has turned down the opportunity to be the team’s lead assistant coach.
Reyna was pegged as the frontrunner earlier this month to be the assistant for Paulo Sousa, who has been tipped to take over as Red Bulls head coach, but Reyna has apparently made the final decision to pass on the job offer.
The Red Bulls are now ready to turn their attention to other American coaching candidates to serve as the assistant to Sousa, who has yet to actually be finalized and announced as head coach despite having agreed to the position a week ago.
It remains unclear just what is holding up Sousa’s appointment, but the delay leaves the Red Bulls as the only team in MLS without an appointed head coach for the 2013 season, which begins in less than two months. The delay could be linked to the team having wanted to introduce Sousa with his lead assistant. If that is the case, Reyna’s decision to pass on the job will push back the announcement even further as the Red Bulls consider other candidates.
Mike Petke remains the team’s interim head coach.
What do you think of this development? Disappointed to hear Reyna won’t be taking the job? Who would you like to see New York hire now?
Share your thoughts below.