HSG Search Continues for FCD Technical Director
January 15th, 2008 . 6:04 am . By: Buzz CarrickAs we reported somewhat controversially last week, Hunt Sports Group has started the search for a Technical Director to run soccer operations for FC Dallas. Although it was denied by all the parties at FC Dallas, we have gathered further information about the situation. First it appears HSG may be set to hire someone in the same position with the Columbus Crew. A source came to us with week with knowledge of the hire to say HSG had decided on Curt Johnson, former General Manager of the Kansas City Wizards, as the man for the technical director job in Columbus. We don’t cover the Crew, so I haven’t endeavored to verify it, but our source is well placed and is very confident about the information. The Johnson name makes sense as HSG prefers to “stay in the family” for many of their major hires. Why the above Columbus information is important for Dallas fans is that when HSG does something with one team they will almost certainly be doing it with the other. For example see the stage that HSG is building into one of the end zone stands at Crew Stadium to support concerts just like in Pizza Hut Park. Other sources familiar with the FCD workings tell us Hitchcock has not been participating in negotiations with players and agents of late. Steve Morrow has been handling player talks, but in addition John Wagner has been mentioned as recently taking a role. There has even been rumbles from certain quarters that no one really seems to know who’s in charge on the player personnel front beyond Morrow. We’ve also begun to filter some names that are circulating in Dallas. Former Dallas player Chad Deering had a meeting with current General Manager Michael Hitchcock recently. It’s unlikely the meting was to discuss a possible Technical Director job since it’s not probable the technical director would be hired by Hitchcock nor report to him. One would think with the holes in the FCD coaching staff that Deering was being looked at as an assistant coach or perhaps as an academy instructor. We were also tipped off about three months ago that the Hunts were asking power brokers in the Dallas soccer landscape for opinion on Schellas Hyndman’s ability to run the team. When we inquired at the time about Morrow’s relative safety, all returns were the current coach was a lock to remain. As a consequence we dismissed the information at that juncture. When one combines the new information that HSG is looking for a technical director, the Hunt’s prior relationship with Hyndman, the previous occasions the Hunts have offered him the head coaching job, and some rumors we’ve again heard in the last few weeks, it now seems clear that the information from three months ago was actually about Hyndman as a technical director. One would have to think that Hyndman would be the leading candidate at this point. Just recently we received word that Former Dallas Burn coach Dave Dir may have had talks with some member of HSG or FCD about the Technical Director position. With five years MLS coaching experience, two years as the league wide chief scout prior to launch, three seasons running the Colorado Foxes, and seven years as a broadcaster, Dir would be an excellent candidate for the position. Clearly the FCD organization is in flux and will continue to change going forward. Stay tuned as we try and learn who the new technical Director might be, or if there isn’t one, who is in charge of player/personnel matters these days. 7 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
Buzz,
Why do you feel that Hyndman is the leading candidate ? What can Hyndman offer over Dir? SMU has been very succesful; however, short on the silverware. More experience than Dir, but his experience is relegated to collegiate play. Hyndman has been very critical of MLS play to the point of considering it an inferior product. So I ask why do feel that Hyndman is the leading candidate?
The FCD blog is reporting that Ruiz traded to LA for money and second round pick…..interesting do they have some that they are planning on signing since they didn’t get anyone from the trade.
I feel hyndman is the leading candidate because of the Hunt family connection and the stuff I got three months ago combine with some stuff I am getting now.
Which is not to say he is the best candidate. I would agree Dir is better. But I a not the one making the hire.
A TD needs a globe view of soccer not a college coach who has never accomplished anything. I would hope a international soccer person could found or what’s the point in bringing anyone in? Just let Steve & Hitch keep making short-term boneheaded moves like they are doing now, no change necessary.
Being positive right now can be a challenge.
I would love to see Dave Dir in this role.
I think Dir is a good fit because I see the TD also running the youth side of things. Dir has set up a decnt youth side already (ASG) and knows as much about it as he does the professional side. Bridging the two is his work with youth National teams. Additionally, You can bet Oscar would be next in line if Morrow doesn’t pan out and the combination of the two could re-invigorate the Hispanic fans.