The New York Red Bulls have parted ways with their coach, Mike Petke, continuing a process of change at the club. He will be replaced by Jesse Marsch.
“On behalf of the New York Red Bulls, I’d like to welcome Jesse aboard as our new head coach,” said the Red Bulls’ sporting director Ali Curtis. “We’re excited to bring someone on who has both MLS and US men’s national team coaching experience and we strongly believe he is the right candidate to lead our team going forward.”
Marsch coached Montreal Impact in their inaugral 2012 season, and was also assistant to Bob Bradley during USA’s 2010 World Cup campaign.
“I’m honored to be joining a franchise like the New York Red Bulls and I want to thank the organization for this opportunity,” said Marsch. “I’m excited to get going with our players and sporting staff as we prepare for the 2015 season.”
Curtis thanked Petke for his service with the Red Bulls. “On behalf of the New York Red Bulls, I want to thank Mike for his service to the club these past two seasons as head coach,” he said. “Mike will always be an important member of the Red Bull family.”
The decision comes after Thierry Henry retired at the end of last season and the Red Bulls parted ways with Curtis’s predecessor, Andy Roxburgh. The Red Bulls will also face another a new franchise on home turf this year, when New York City FC play their first MLS season.
Petke enjoyed some success with the Red Bulls. They won the Supporters’ Shield in 2013, the club’s biggest trophy to date. Last season they reached the Eastern Conference Championship, before losing narrowly to New England Revolution.
The decision is likely to anger significant sections of the club’s fanbase. Not only had Petke brought success to the Red Bulls as a coach, he had a distinguished time as a player. He made 169 appearances for the club, and was capped twice for USA.
