Orlando City Parts Ways with Head Coach Jason Kreis

Orlando City announced this afternoon that the club has agreed to part ways with Head Coach Jason Kreis. Assistant Coach Bobby Murphy will take over until a replacement is found. In addition to the departure of Kreis, assistant coaches CJ Brown and Miles Joseph have also left the club.

After a club MLS record six-game winning streak early in the 2018 MLS season, the Lions have lost six straight (also a franchise record), leading to the decision by the club, which sits in the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with a 6-8-1 mark, to part with its head coach.

Kreis took the helm at Orlando City midway through the 2016 season following the firing of Adrian Heath. Over Kreis’ nearly two years in charge at the club, he coached 63 league games, going 21-29-13. (Note: MLS officially lists him as 21-29-14 because he was hired prior to the Lions’ draw at Columbus on July 23, 2016, but he did not coach that match.) Additionally, he went 1-1 in two U.S. Open Cup games with his lone win coming against NPSL side Miami United on June 6.

“This is a very difficult decision to take,” Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão said. “But sometimes in sports we must make tough decisions with the best future of the organization in mind. I have enormous respect for Jason and the work his team did in Orlando. He arrived in a difficult moment and is leaving with a legacy of respect and professionalism. Now is the time to look forward, keep our heads high, and continue pushing toward the many goals we set this season.”

Kreis joined the Lions after coaching New York City FC during that club’s inaugural season in 2015. Prior to that, he had a successful run as head coach of Real Salt Lake. However, he has failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs since leaving the Utah-based club.

Murphy will be the team’s interim coach while the club conducts a “comprehensive search” for a new head coach. Murphy previously led the Lions following the firing of Heath and prior to the hiring of Kreis. The Lions went 0-1-3 in Murphy’s four games in charge.