The Colorado Rapids and head coach Chris Armas announced Monday that they have parted ways after two seasons.
The Rapids went 11-15-8 this season and finished 11th in the Western Conference, missing out on a playoff spot. In Armas’ first season as head coach, the club went 15-14-5 and finished seventh in the West before falling in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
Colorado finished in third place in the 2024 League Cup tournament.
“We are grateful to Chris for the professionalism and passion he has brought to the club,” Rapids chairman Padraig Smith said in a statement. “He has helped our group make significant progress over the past two seasons and leaves behind a strong culture that will serve us well as we begin this next chapter.”
The move comes as Armas’ contract as head coach was set to expire.
“Discussions regarding a possible contract extension have taken place, but both parties have agreed that the time is right to move forward in different directions,” the Rapids said in a statement.
A native of New York, Armas began his playing career in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 1996 before joining the Chicago Fire in 1998. He played a total of 264 matches over 12 seasons, scoring 12 goals as a defensive midfielder.
Armas, now 53, also made 66 appearances for the United States men’s national team between 1998 and 2005, scoring two goals.
According to the Rapids, the new head coach will reserve the right to fill out the rest of the coaching staff.
–Field level media
