The worst kept secret in Major League Soccer is finally out. With their elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs on Thursday night, the New York Red Bulls have announced that head coach Hans Backe will not return to the club. Former Red Bulls player and current coach Mike Petke will take over the team on an interim basis while they search for a permanent head coach. Backe's assistant, Jan Halvor Halvorsen, has also been let go. Both Backe and Halvorsen's contracts expired at the end of this season.
Hans Backe out as New York Red Bulls coach
The New York Red Bulls have opted not to extend the contract of Hans Backe or his assistant manager, while also hiring a new sporting director.
Mike Stobe
Backe’s departure is part of a larger reorganization of the Red Bull New York organization. The team also announced today that former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh has been hired as the club’s sporting director. Red Bulls are likely in for a long offseason, with plenty of rumors swirling about coaching and player personnel changes.
During his three seasons at Red Bulls, Backe guided the team to the playoffs in each year, but failed to guide them to the final in any competition.
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