FC Tucson and coach Darren Sawatzky have agreed to part ways following one season. Sawatzky agreed to become the new coach of the Richmond Kickers, another USL League One team; there, he'll serve as both coach and sporting director.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead the Richmond Kickers and work with the technical staff, the operations staff, and the ownership group here in Richmond,” Sawatzky said in a news release. “Watching the Red Army this past year showed me first hand what this team means to this community and I can't wait to meet the fans here and be a part of this growing phenomenon. Being engaged with the fans and the community and building a winner that launches into each postseason is the goal. We are going to hunt trophies while playing entertaining soccer in 2020!”
BREAKING: The Kickers have appointed @Dtarzan66 Sporting Director & Head Coach ahead of the 2020 @USLLeagueOne seasonRead: https://t.co/8dCbIIUagK #RVAisRed pic.twitter.com/kUQdSyOG8W
— Richmond Kickers (@RichmondKickers) November 6, 2019
Sawatzky went 8-11-9 in his lone season in Tucson. Before that, he coached the Seattle Sounders FC U-23 USL League Two team and ran the club's development academy. Sawatzky, a Seattle native, also coached Guam's national team. Sawatzky played two season with the MLS' New England Revolution and one with the Dallas Burn.
FC Tucson will now hire its third coach in as many years.
“We thank Darren for his efforts in our inaugural pro season and wish him the best of luck in Richmond,” said Bobby Dulle, the general manager of FC Tucson's parent club, Phoenix Rising FC.
