Coach Josh Wolff was let go by Austin on Sunday after the team failed to make it to the Major League Soccer playoffs for the second year in a row.
Wolff, a former striker and assistant coach for the U.S. men’s national team, was hired in 2019 shortly after MLS announced the expansion club, nearly two years before they started playing. He led Austin to the Western Conference final in 2022.
“As the first manager in club history, we would like to extend our gratitude for Josh’s role in the growth and development of our club,” said majority owner and CEO Anthony Precourt in a statement.
“After back-to-back seasons without playoff qualification, we realize that a fresh start is required next season under the leadership of a new coach.”
The team announced that Precourt and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell met with Wolff on Sunday morning to inform him of the decision.
Despite reaching the Western Conference final in 2022, Austin has not made the playoffs in three of Wolff’s four years as coach. His record includes 45 wins, 30 draws, and 60 losses in regular-season matches.
Austin was knocked out of this season’s playoffs following a 2-1 loss to the L.A. Galaxy on Saturday night.
Wolff became the sixth MLS coach to be fired this season, joining Nashville’s Gary Smith (June 16), Atlanta’s Gonzalo Pineda (June 3), Dallas’ Nico Estévez (June 9), San Jose’s Luchi Gonzalez (June 24), and St. Louis’ Bradley Carnell (July 1).
“Our on-field ambitions are to be among the highest performing clubs in MLS year-over-year,” Borrell said.
