The Seattle Sounders signed head coach Brian Schmetzer to a multiyear contract extension.
Schmetzer has led the Sounders to four of the past five MLS Cup Finals, winning twice.
“I’m very pleased to be able to continue my coaching career with the club that is so close to my heart,” said Schmetzer, a native of the city. “Seattle Sounders FC has excelled in its commitment to winning and the community. I take my stewardship of the club with great honor and privilege, as the connection with our fans is sacred and has been at the cornerstone of our franchise.”
The team did not disclose the length of the contract or financial terms.
Read More: Former Seattle Sounders star Jordan Morris close to Swansea City debut
Schmetzer, 58, became interim coach of the Sounders on July 26, 2016, replacing Sigi Schmid and taking over a team that was 6-12-2 at the time. The Sounders finished the season with an 8-2-4 record under Schmetzer and went on the win the MLS Cup title.
He was named permanent head coach on Nov. 2, 2016.
Under Schmetzer’s leadership, the Sounders are 67-37-34 in the regular season. His 15 wins in the postseason tie him for third all-time in league history with Bob Bradley and Dominic Kinnear, trailing only Schmid and Bruce Arena.
The Sounders also won the 2019 MLS Cup and lost the 2020 final to the Columbus Crew, 3-0. They lost 2-0 to Toronto FC in the 2017 final.
Schmetzer, 58, coached the Sounders of the USL from 2001-08. When the club entered MLS in 2009, Schmid retained him on the coaching staff.
“Brian Schmetzer and I have an almost 20-year history of working together. Although I never doubted Brian would be back in 2021 and beyond, I am grateful that he will continue to lead Sounders FC for years to come,” Sounders majority owner Adrian Hanauer said in a news release. “Brian cares deeply for our club and community, he has a deep understanding of our culture and traditions, and no one is better poised to build upon the organization’s recent success.”
–Field Level Media