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Adrian Heath came to Orlando with the original Austin Aztex, managed the USL Orlando City squad to two championships, then launched the MLS Orlando franchise.
Orlando City SC Agrees to Part Ways with Head Coach Adrian Heath
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 7, 2016
Full Release: https://t.co/SI2UriJ0X4 pic.twitter.com/9xyJmHF0r4
He parted ways with the club tonight after a disappointing start to the 2016 season, making him the second manager relieved of their duties in MLS this season (Owen Coyle in Houston was the first, Wade Barrett has replaced him on an interim basis).
With Orlando now in the market for a new manager, how will this affect Atlanta United?
Respected journalist, and former Orlando Sentinel writer, Paul Tenorio has a thought:
Here's a prediction before I start diving into writing a story: Adrian Heath will wind up in either Minnesota or Atlanta.
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) July 7, 2016
There are links between Heath and the Atlanta United front office. Paul McDonough worked with Heath to build the Orlando City roster in 2014-15 before joining Atlanta in December of last year.
One would suspect that Atlanta is very deep into its managerial search process and it might be a case where Heath’s availability comes too late for him to be considered. Would they revisit their list to make room for Heath?
Aside from the possibility of bringing in Heath, Atlanta now faces competition in MLS for any potential manager it might consider. Jason Kreis and Mike Petke have been two former MLS managers who are expected to get another opportunity soon, would they be considered by Orlando? Will it turn into a bidding war for a manager between Atlanta and Orlando?
Sports Illustrated’s Brian Straus thinks Orlando will look to Brazil for their next managerial hire:
Heath out. Saw this coming in Orlando. Front office trend tilting to for long time. OC waiting for opening/excuse, and 2-4-6 run is it.
— Brian Straus (@BrianStraus) July 7, 2016
What is next in Orlando? Does this move affect Atlanta? Let us know what you think in the comments.