Orlando City

Orlando City SC agrees to part ways with head coach Adrian Heath

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 6, 2016) — Press Release from Orlando City:

Orlando City SC has agreed to amicably part ways with Head Coach Adrian Heath, effective today (Wednesday).

Coach Heath has been with the club since its beginnings in Austin, Texas, in 2008. He relocated with the team to Orlando in 2011.

“It is always a very difficult decision to part ways with a head coach and not one that the Board of Directors has taken lightly. It is even more difficult when that coach has been instrumental in the growth of the Club since its inception over eight years ago. Adrian has served this Club with passion and enthusiasm,” said Orlando City Founder & President Phil Rawlins. “While our successes together are undoubtable, we believe the renewed energy this change will bring will be uplifting for the team. We feel that the time has come for us to move on with our future in MLS. We continue to remain very excited about the growth of our Club.”

MORE: An open letter from Phil Rawlins 

“This is a very difficult moment, but I fully support the decision made by the Board. I want to thank Adrian for the commitment and hard work he has given our team over the years and wish him success in his career,” said Club Majority Owner Flavio Augusto da Silva.  “Now, it’s time for us to turn our focus onto the rest of the season. We will do everything in our power to continue improving and giving our fans the best of us because they have been fantastic supporters."

Heath had a tremendous track record with Orlando City, winning two USL Championships and three USL regular season titles.

Assistant Head Coach, Mark Watson, has also left the Club by mutual agreement, effective immediately.

While the Club conducts a comprehensive search for a new head coach, the team will be led by Assistant Coach Bobby Murphy and Orlando City B Head Coach Anthony Pulis.