Harkes Not Contacted, Would Listen
May 23rd, 2008 . 7:00 am . By: Buzz CarrickAccording to General Manager Michael Hitckock, the search for a new head coach has just gotten under way and as of Wednesday there are not yet any candidates. One name that was floated in some quarters as a possible hire is ex-DC United and US midfielder John Harkes. The theory being that Hitchcock knows Harkes from his days at DC United and might consider him a strong candidate. According to Harkes he has had no contact from FC Dallas but would be willing to listen to any opportunities. “I haven’t been contacted,” Harkes said. “In this business, I know that you can’t close any doors on opportunities that might arise. But if I was contacted or my agent was, then we would have a discussion if that made sense. Right now at this point, I have had no contact.” Harkes is considered part of the Arena school having played for him at both Virginia and DC United, where he won two titles, with a stop at Sheffield Wednesday in between. During a short stint with Nottingham Forest, Harkes was traded in MLS to the New England Revolution where he played three seasons. Harkes finished his career with the Columbus Crew before retiring in 2003. He also had a long run with the US National Team, once being named “Captain for life” before being left off the World Cup squad. Harkes ended his career with 90 US caps. Since leaving the pro game, Harkes has mainly worked as a TV commentator for Fox Soccer Channel, and now ABC/ESPN. He was also the Director of Youth Development for DC United and then as assistant coach for New York Red Bulls under Bruce Arena. Harkes has also done some work with the US Soccer Federation and one or two of their national teams. The latest ESPN gig seems to be going well for him and that may keep him out of the coaching carousel. “It’s worked out well for me and my family,’ Harkes says. “I have three kids now. I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m chasing a coaching dream, bouncing around all over the country and sacrificing being with my family.” Thanks to Steve Hunt, who obtained these quote during an interview with Harkes for an article he was writing, for being willing to share with 3rd Degree. 10 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
It’s a done deal but they have to keep it on the down low.
I would love it if we could get John Harkes to coach here! I think his background would be a benefit to this club and would allow us to continue the youth development that Morrow was working on with FCD.
I was most interested in watching his response to the Dallas situation last night. It sounded to me like the circumstances of the firing really disturbs him and he doesn’t want to be caught in the same situation. Not to say he wouldn’t take the job, though. He would just need to make it known that he wants clear goals set.
If I were management I would ask for a top 4 finish but tell Harkes he has at least 2 years barring anything really crazy (e.g., truly losing the team, off the field issues). IMHO, top 4 in MLS could be worth more to a small franchise than the cup, mainly because of the guaranteed money from playing high-caliber opponents outside the league.
Hiring Harkes would be an idiotic move. What, exactly is his coaching experience ? who, exactly has he managed before ?
Agreed w/ Moose above.
But I also agree w/the other Alex…and I’ll add three words: Captain for life…great leadership skills shown there.
Ditto to what The Other Alex says. If this is Hitch’s next move then he definitely deserves to go.
Has anybody mentioned Kenny Cooper Senior as a possible candidate? He’s got the experience, the players know and trust him, the Hunts love him, it seems like a win/win situation to me. Besides, who else could continue to keep Junior motivated?
I think I would be ok with Harkes. Who exactly did Jason Kreis manage prior to getting the job in Utah? Harkes has far more playing and coaching experience then Kreis and from a distance it appears that he is doing a fine job.
Why not try to bring Kreis back home to Dallas?
Oh God, Sweet Lord Above -
NO
JOHN
HARKES
Amen.
Cooper sr should be technical director and should have been named to the post years ago.