Photo by Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports
By RYAN TOLMICH
Nine years after joining the franchise in a move to Houston, Dominic Kinnear is reportedly set to make his return to the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday that the current Houston Dynamo head coach is set to accept the same position with the Earthquakes ahead of the 2015 season. Kinnear had previously managed what was then the Earthquakes from 2004-05 before the franchise relocated to the club’s current home in Houston.
Kinnear, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Dynamo, was reportedly given permission to interview with Earthquakes officials earlier this month. The Chronicle states that the interview was a successful one, as Kinnear has reportedly informed his staff that he is set to accept the Earthquakes job.
The 47-year-old Scottish-American has been the only head coach in the history of the Houston Dynamo, where he also currently holds the title as general manager. Kinnear, who led the Dynamo to MLS Cup titles in 2006 and 2007, is set to see his Dynamo side miss the playoffs for only the second time in the club’s history.
The Chronicle also reported that the Dynamo will now begin a search for a new technical director, who will then be in charge of finding Kinnear’s replacement.
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What do you think of Kinnear’s move to the Earthquakes? What changes do the Earthquakes have to make to improve next season? How will the Dynamo respond without Kinnear at the helm?
Share your thoughts below.
Wonder if he’s going to sit Wondo on the bench for a few years and then trade him for another door-stop?
JJ…he’ll be missed down here.
The time is right to have some turnover in the Dynamo organization.
I agree. I’m just concerned with how the FO handles this transition.
This feels like Frank Yallop 2.0
+1….as a ‘Quakes fan im thinking, meh…if doyle is still our gm, then NOTHING changes.
Agreed. And now we have Yallop.
this is a tough day for a Dynamo fan. The only constant in Houston has been Dom and Brad Davis. Now we get to see what the rest of our organization is made of. I’m definitely concerned based on our incredible results without the ownership being willing to throw down cash for the best out there. We’ve always made do with less. That’s been a point of pride. But without Dominic Kinnear to steer the ship? I hope for the best but fear the worst. Forever Orange (tears)
Well, if the F.O. gets a decent coach, I expect 2 to 3 seasons before a return to the playoffs due to a complete rebuild for the new coach’s style. If they get a bad coach (far more likely), we orange fans will be looking at a long road of nothing for who knows how long.
Was Watson ever officially made coach, or has he been in limbo / interim status since he took over? Clearly the Quakes’ nosedive at the end of the season didn’t help his cause. I agree that getting Kinnear will add some excitement and credibility heading in to the new stadium. I’ll bet he brings in some talent from Houston, too. The Quakes definitely need some new personnel.
“nose dive” implies the season ever left the ground…
The Quakes need a winning squad to keep butts in the seats for their new stadium. Great news for Quakes fans.
Wait, did I miss something? When did Mark Watson get fired?
I don’t think they were fooling anyone when both teams said nothing was going on. Considering San Jose’s season and the option of bringing in Kinnear I am surprised they (both sides) bothered with the half denials.
hasn’t happened yet, this is news that has been “broken” i.e. not official yet…good news though Kinnear built on Yallop’s foundation mid-decade adding a Supporter’s Shield and 2 more MLS Cups in Houston on top of the 2 Yallop brought to the original Quake MLS franchise (now the Dynamo)
Watson has struggled this year…injuries weren’t his fault…but he seemed to coach to the team’s new “philosophy” instead of to the dictates of personnel on-hand, re-hiring Kinnear is an acknowledgement from management that they need a strong Manager on the sideline
He’s only 47?
More concerned about what happens to Ralston