Ron Jans did not coach a game with Cincy this season. (Photo courtesy of MLS)
CINCINNATI — One thing is certain about FC Cincinnati: it is a heaping hot mess.
Only in its second year as a Major League Soccer expansion team, the team lost its head coach yet again. This time Ron Jans resigned amid an investigation by the league of his use of a racial slur in the locker room.
Jans resigned late Monday, according FC Cincinnati president Jeff Berding said. The club had suspended Jans pending the investigation, which was prompted by a complaint from the MLS Players Association.
“As Major League Soccer’s investigation unfolded and some themes emerged, Ron offered his resignation and we agreed that it was the best course of action for everyone involved with FC Cincinnati,” Berding said.
“I really want to thank everyone at FC Cincinnati,” Jans said. “I had a really great time in Cincinnati and with the club, with the staff, players, owners and fans. Especially the fans. I’m really sorry our story ends like this. But even if I were to return, there would be too much damage done to be able to move forward successfully. I want to wish the club good luck in the continued building of FC Cincinnati to the next stage.”
FC Cincinnati named Yoann Damet interim head coach for the second time in its young history while the club conducts yet another search.
The Red Bulls visit FC Cincy for their opening match of the season on March 1.
The club has been through two head coaches and an interim one. It sacked Alan Koch after its 11th match (2-7-2 mark).
Damet also was the interim head coach while the team conducted a search that resulted in Jans’ hiring last August.
Cincy finished with the worst record with 6-22-6, scoring a league-worst 31 goals in 34 games.
The team gained entry into MLS after a successful debut under Koch, who directed the side to the semifinals of the United Soccer League Championship playoffs in 2017 and 2018.
