Columbus Crew fire Robert Warzycha, Brian Bliss named interim boss

On Monday morning the Columbus Crew parted ways with manager Robert Warzycha after over five years in charge in Ohio.

Columbus’ poor recent form has seen Warzycha lose his job, with the Crew having a 8-13-5 record and only D.C. United and Chivas USA have lost more games this season in MLS.

New Crew Chairman and Investor-Operator Anthony Precourt hasn’t been in charge for too long before making a massive decision to change the coaching direction of the club.

(MORE: Analysis on Warzycha’s dismissal from Crew Stadium)

In a statement on the clubs website Crew President & General Manager Mark McCullers had the following to say.

“Following a thorough evaluation of the club with Anthony [Precourt], we determined that Robert’s contract would not be extended beyond 2013,” McCullers said. “Rather than wait until the end of the season, we felt that the best interests of the club and Robert would be served by making this change now.”

After watching the side closely before the purchase of the Crew, Precourt believes the decision to fire Warzycha is the right decision for the future of the club.

I have been intently following this team since mid-April when we decided to explore the possibility of acquiring the Crew. When I became the club’s new Chairman, I said that I would take the necessary time to be thoughtful and evaluate where we needed to make changes. When we came to the conclusion that we were not going to retain Robert beyond this season, it was apparent that we needed to make this change now so that we can refocus the club around Brian’s leadership for the remainder of this season, as well as get the process started on finding a new head coach.

During Warzycha’s time in charge the Crew won the 2009 Supporters’ Shield, made back-to-back semifinal runs in the CONCACAF Champions League and reached the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final.

Warzycha’s record of 70-59-41 was tied with Tom Fitzgerald (1996-2001) for the most regular-season wins (70) as a Head Coach of the Crew. After taking over on an interim basis in 2005 following the dismissal of Greg Andrulis, Warzycha was assistant coach as Sigi Schmid led Columbus to a MLS Cup in 2008.

The Crew’s new Interim Head Coach Brian Bliss was respectful of Warzycha’s achievements and promised to help turn things around while he’s at the helm.

“It is with mixed emotions that I accept this position,” Bliss said. “Robert is a true professional and a close friend, and I will personally miss working with him. Sometimes in these situations a fresh perspective and a new voice are needed,” Bliss said. “I’m confident in our players and the talent on our roster. Our fans deserve to see the best out of this team, and I plan to do what’s necessary to make that happen.”

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So Columbus search for a new head coach begins as they try to rebuild the Ohio club back to its former glories. Can they follow the lead up the Portland Timbers who last year fired John Spencer and handed the reins on an interim basis to Gavin Wilkinson.

That gave Portland time to find the right man in Caleb Porter and Columbus should take all the time they can to try and fine the perfect replacement to Warzycha.

Who should take charge?

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