Red Bulls won't bring back sporting director, head coach

Field Level Media|published: Tue 14th November, 13:53 2023

Sep 30, 2023; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls head coach Troy Lesesne reacts to a cal during the second half against Chicago Fire at Red Bull Arena. credits: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Red Bulls cleaned house on Tuesday, parting ways with head coach Troy Lesesne, sporting director Denis Hamlett and assistant coach Zach Prince.

Jochen Schneider, the head of sport, announced all three departures. He said the club decided not to renew Lesesne's contract and that the Red Bulls and Hamlett mutually decided to split.

Lesesne joined the Red Bulls in January 2022 as an assistant coach. He took over as head coach for the rest of the 2023 season on May 8 when the club parted with Gerhard Struber after a 1-4-6 (9 points) start to the season.

The Red Bulls finished 11-13-10 (43 points) and lost to top seed FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the MLS Cup playoffs on Nov. 4.

Hamlett spent seasons as sporting director, during which time the team made seven straight playoff appearances and won the Supporters' Shield. He previously had been an assistant coach with the team.

"On behalf of the club, we would like to thank Denis for his many contributions to the club since 2015, both as Sporting Director and Assistant Coach," Schneider said in a team statement. "It has been an honor to work closely with Denis on all sporting matters pertaining to the club. His insights and perspective were always important when making key decisions for the success of the organization. We wish Denis and his family all the best."

The Red Bulls said the club would launch searches for both a new head coach and sporting director.

—Field Level Media

Latest