Former national team coach departs Norwegian club amid struggles
In a surprise move, a well-known American coach has parted ways with his Norwegian club, Stabaek, effective immediately. The decision comes on the heels of the team’s third consecutive loss, a 3-2 defeat at home to IK Start, which left them in seventh place in the Norwegian second tier.
With seven matches remaining, Stabaek is level on points with sixth-place Lyn, which holds the final promotion playoff spot. Bjørn Helge Riise will take the reins as temporary head coach for the remainder of the season.
The departing coach, who has had a storied career in the sport, was praised by Stabaek chairman Espen Moe for his “wise football head, enormous work capacity, and great commitment.” However, after a period of limited development and inconsistent results, the two parties agreed to end their collaboration.
This marks the coach’s second stint with Stabaek, having previously managed the club from 2014-15, during which time he became the first American to manage a team in a European top flight and led the team to Europa League qualification.
The coach has had a varied career, with stints in the American collegiate system, as an assistant with the U.S. Under-23 men’s team, and with several MLS clubs, including Chicago Fire, LAFC, and Toronto FC. He also had a successful tenure as manager of the U.S. men’s national team, leading the team to the 2007 Gold Cup title and the round of 16 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Should the coach decide to return to MLS, there are several teams in need of a manager, including Atlanta United FC, Chicago Fire FC, FC Dallas, St. Louis City SC, and the San Jose Earthquakes.
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