Shocking move by the Colorado Rockies who fired coach Gary Smith. What makes this decision such a head scratcher is that Smith led the Rapids to their first MLS Cup less than a year ago.
Managing director Jeff Plush said Monday that he decided not to renew Smith’s contract, which ended after the season. The Rapids were eliminated from the playoffs last week by Sporting Kansas City after a 12-9-13 regular season.
Smith had clashed with the team’s technical director, Paul Bravo, and complained about the team’s budget this season. The Rapids had one of the smallest budgets in MLS, which makes last years success even more remarkable.
“After meeting with Gary, we decided it would be in the best interest of both parties to move in a different direction,” Rapids managing director Jeff Plush said in a statement. “We’d like to thank Gary for his many contributions to the Colorado Rapids organization. He was instrumental in the Rapids winning our first-ever MLS Cup last year, and we wish him nothing but the best as he explores new opportunities.”
Smith pulled no punches on his way out telling the Denver Post:
“I’ve worked tirelessly under extreme duress at the club. I’ve gotten little to no help from Paul or from Jeff and still managed to put a team together that won a championship and got in the playoffs this year. I feel as though I’ve been very disrespected in all of this.”
Would love to see Smith end up in New Engand in charge of the Revs, but not sure if that is the direction that the Kraft’s want to go in.