The MLS Coaching Merry-Go-Round

The Galaxy didn't take long to stop the spinning after Frank Yallop headed up the coast to his former stomping grounds in San Jose. Ruud Gullit is in charge now, with Cobi Jones as his lead assistant. As much as I worry about Gullit adjusting to MLS, I'd like to think that Cobi will be helping him in that regard.

New York hasn't settled anything yet, but the rumors are starting to get interesting. The Star-Ledger is reporting that Juan Carlos Osorio of Chicago could be available. His wife supposedly isn't happy in Chicago, and I guess he's not tied down to returning there. He has spent time in NY in the past, as an assistant with Carlos Zambrano in 2000-2001.

Speaking of Zambrano, he has expressed his interest in returning to the Big Apple. He is the only coach to ever win a playoff series with the MetroBulls. He's currently coaching a club in Moldova and has offers from a club in Hungary. "I don't have to prove what I did with the MetroStars because it's a matter of record," Zambrano said. "You can add another great coach like Bruce that could not do better than I did under much tougher circumstances."

On top of those two, you have the unsubstantiated rumors of money being thrown at guys like Fabio Capello, Marcello Lippi, and Jose Mourinho. After the Galaxy pulled in a big name like Gullit, it wouldn't shock me to see Red Bull try to bring in a big name. Can they pull it off though?

There are other clubs in MLS besides LA and NY, and there's some interesting situations brewing. Seattle was officially announced yesterday, and their current USL coach Brian Schmetzer would have to be considered the leading candidate at this point. The guy has won plenty of titles, and will be bringing some of his current players to the league in 2009. Unless the Sounders blow up this season and struggle, I'd like to see him get his chance.

Colorado fans are close to meltdown at this point, with word coming from ticket reps that Fernando Clavijo will be under contract through 2008. Technically, it isn't the strongest backing of the guy, but all signs point to him being on the sideline on Opening Day. There's lots of talk among the hardcores of season tickets being canceled, emails to executives, and protests at the official MLS Cup viewing party this weekend. It's not a good time to be a Rapids fan.