Two of the Eastern Conference’s strugglers in MLS have made major coaching moves on Monday.

The New York Red Bulls made a coaching change on Monday, parting ways with 46-year-old Gerhard Struber.

Struber joined the Red Bulls in late 2020 from English Championship side Barnsley, succeeding Chris Armas. He registered a 33-31-23 record across all competitions, but the Red Bulls currently sit last in the East in 2023 with only one league victory this season.

The Red Bulls have proceeded to name Troy Lesesne as head coach through the end of the 2023 MLS season. Lesesne joined the club as an assistant coach in January 2022.

“We thank Gerhard and Bernd for their work and commitment to our club and wish them well in their next endeavors,” RBNY head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a release. “I want to especially thank Gerhard for his dedication to this club and for the personal sacrifices that he made, especially being away from his family. He led our players through a difficult time, keeping everyone in good spirits while continuing our playoff streak.

“After many discussions with Gerhard over the past few weeks, we mutually came to the agreement that a change now would be beneficial for both parties.”

Struber faced criticism in April from fans and media alike for his handling of the in-game incident that led to forward Dante Vanzeir being suspended for using racist language against the San Jose Earthquakes. Struber kept Vanzeir in the match following the incident which later led to staged protests by club supporters at Red Bull Arena.

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Fire part ways with Ezra Hendrickson

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The Chicago Fire have fired head coach Ezra Hendrickson, the club announced Monday.

The Fire sit 14th in the Eastern Conference table with 10 points earned and only two victories out of 10 matches so far.

Hendrickson, 51, took over the Fire before the 2022 campaign and totaled a 13-19-14 record in just over one year in Chicago. A former assistant coach for several MLS clubs, Hendrickson is now on the move with the Fire appointing Frank Klopas as interim head coach.

Klopas was previously the Fire’s head coach from 2011-13 and also served in a similar role with CF Montreal from 2013-15.

“This was a difficult decision, but after careful consideration, we felt that a change was necessary at this time as we work toward our goal of advancing to the playoffs and competing for trophies,” Chicago sporting director Georg Heitz said in a release.

“We’d like to thank Ezra and Junior for their efforts during the past two seasons, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

Klopas’ first match in charge will be the Fire’s U.S. Open Cup match on Tuesday against St. Louis CITY SC.