Austin FC picks former FC Dallas boss as next head coach
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC has picked its next head coach, announcing Nico Estévez as the next leader of the Verde and Black.
Estévez is familiar with the Major League Soccer landscape and has Texas ties as FC Dallas' previous manager. He was announced as the club's second-ever head coach Friday morning in a press release.
Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell said the 44-year-old Spaniard "ticks all the boxes."
“Our search process was extremely detailed and we feel he is someone that ticks all the boxes – he is highly ambitious, has experience in MLS, and he is familiar with the culture in Texas. We believe he will be an excellent fit for this Club and community both on and off the field, and we’d like to wish him and his family a warm welcome to Austin,” Borrell said in the release.
Estévez, who is currently a member of the U.S. Men's National team coaching staff, will join the club after the November FIFA international window.
Austin FC said it will introduce Estevez at a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Estévez managed FC Dallas to postseason appearances in his first two seasons as head coach in 2022 and 2023. He was fired in June after a 3-8-5 start to the season.
Prior to FC Dallas, Estevez was an assistant manager of USMNT from January 2019 to December 2021. He also spent four years on the coaching staff of the Columbus Crew.
Estévez began his coaching career in 2004 with his hometown club Valencia CF in Valencia, Spain. Estévez got his first head coaching opportunity with Huracán Valencia CF in Spain's third tier before moving up as head coach of Valencia B. He was caretaker manager for two matches with Valencia's first team, resulting in a Copa del Rey and La Liga win.
“Austin is a vibrant city with fantastic music, food, culture, and most importantly, a fanbase that is incredibly passionate about soccer and Austin FC,” Estévez said in the release. “That passion was one of the main reasons why coming to Austin was so exciting to me, and I’m looking forward to growing the team on the field while getting to know our supporters on a personal level. I want to thank Rodolfo and the entire Club for this opportunity.”
Austin FC fired Josh Wolff on Oct. 6 after four year with the club. Wolff led Austin FC to a MLS Western Conference finals appearance in 2022, however, the club disappointed in its last two seasons by missing the postseason.
“After back-to-back seasons without playoff qualification, we realize that a fresh start is required next season under the leadership of a new head coach,” majority owner Anthony Precourt said.