Luchi Gonzalez guided FC Dallas to only six wins this season. (Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports)
FC Dallas Sunday announced it had fired Luchi Gonzalez as head coach of the club.
Director of soccer operations Marco Ferruzzi will manage the club on an interim basis as the search for a new head coach begins immediately.
FC Dallas (6-11-9, 27 points), which is in 11th place out of 13 teams, the Western Conference, dropped a 3-2 decision to the Houston Dynamo Saturday night.
“We made the tough decision to part ways with Luchi after a great deal of thought and deliberation. We believe a coaching change is in the best interest of the club at this time to help us achieve our goals,” FC Dallas president Dan Hunt said in a statement. “I want to thank Luchi for everything he has done for this organization. We wish him all the best.”
Gonzalez, who took over as head coach of FC Dallas on December 16, 2018, directed Dallas to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons in 2019 and 2020. He had a 28-29-25 regular season record as head coach. Prior to assuming the head coaching responsibilities for FC Dallas, Gonzalez served as the Director of the FC Dallas Academy. Gonzalez joined the organization in 2012 as an Academy coach.
Assistant coach Mikey Varas has also been relieved of his duties. Assistant coach Peter Luccin and goalkeeping coach Drew Keeshan will remain on Ferruzzi’s staff. Assistant coach and director of scouting José de Jesús “Chuy” Vera also will remain on Ferruzzi’s staff.
“Marco Ferruzzi has been with the organization since 2004 and was a member of the coaching staff during our most successful seasons, including 2016 when FC Dallas won the Supporters’ Shield and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup,” Hunt said. “His experience and league insight will serve us well as we work towards competing for a playoff spot this season.”
