Silverbacks Eliminate Head Coaching Position, Wynalda to Manage from Technical Director Role

Published on January 7, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Ga. (January 7, 2014) - The Atlanta Silverbacks are doing something relatively unheard of in professional sports - eliminating the head coaching position. At a press conference at the Georgia State Soccer Association (GSSA) headquarters on Tuesday morning, the club announced that technical director Eric Wynalda will manage the team without the presence of a head coach.

"The organization has tremendous belief in Eric Wynalda's system of play. Heading into the offseason, we asked ourselves how we could get back to following that system," said Silverbacks Chairman Boris Jerkunica. "We've come to the conclusion of reengineering Eric's role, and that will include managing the team's training sessions and games. We believe in Eric's vision and we consider him to be part of our long-term plans."

Wynalda will handle all team-related decisions, and manage the team during NASL play. While he will still remain in his role as a soccer analyst at Fox Sports 1, the former U.S. Men's National Team star will manage all of the team's games and key practices. Wynalda will rely on a group of hand-selected assistants to take the team through early-week recovery and training sessions.

"This progressive approach to new-age management allows Eric to be more objective in his weekly review of player performance," said Silverbacks Co-Owner Henry Hardin. "Having Eric as the one who directly communicates to his players and assistants will ensure that his vision and system is carried out properly."

Whether the 44-year-old California native is in Atlanta with the team or not, he will plan every training session and rely on his assistants to implement a specific system and strategy. Although the Silverbacks' new philosophy is uncharted territory in soccer and beyond, the organization believes it will be an improved method of doing things.

"We understand as an organization that this appears to be a less conventional approach to running a club, however, we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't expect it to be successful," said Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda. "Our ethics, our principles, our tactics, and our philosophy will not change, and we believe this process is very feasible and has tremendous potential."

When Wynalda settles into the manager's chair during 2014 NASL play, it won't be the first time he has filled that role for the club. The U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer served as the Silverbacks' interim head coach in 2012, posting a 3-1-3 (W-T-L) record.

The Silverbacks had a successful season as a whole last year, winning the NASL Spring Season Championship and earning the right to host the league's championship game, NASL Soccer Bowl 2013. Although they reached the title game, which they lost 1-0 to the New York Cosmos, the team struggled down the stretch, dropping five of its last six games. Following the season, the club opted to decline the contract option on head coach Brian Haynes, opening the door for the new philosophy that was revealed on Tuesday.

In a rematch of the Soccer Bowl, the Silverbacks will travel to New York City to play the New York Cosmos in the 2014 NASL Spring Season opener on April 13. Season tickets for the 2014 season are currently on sale, and can be purchased through the Silverbacks Ticket Office at 404-969-4900.

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