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Austin FC Fires Coach, Sporting Director; Arnaud Leads Playoff Push

5/19/2026

42 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Austin FC Fires

Austin FC dismissed head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell on May 18, 2026.
Assistant coach Davy Arnaud will serve as head coach for the May 23, 2026 game, a move CEO Anthony Precourt said aims to reach the playoffs.
The club will hire a coach and engage Excel Sports Management to locate a sporting director, using the 60-day pause after May 23 game as a transition window.

Summary

Fans Push Removal

Fan calls for Estévez’s removal intensified after Austin FC’s U.S. Open Cup loss to Louisville City FC, prompting owner Anthony Precourt to say community pressure demands a winner.
Rodolfo Borrell, hired in 2023 from Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona assistant roles, has not yet delivered a roster that can contend.
Davy Arnaud, who survived the 2024 firing of Josh Wolff, will again be interim head coach.

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Austin FC Fires

Austin FC dismissed head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell on May 18, 2026.
Assistant coach Davy Arnaud will serve as head coach for the May 23, 2026 game, a move CEO Anthony Precourt said aims to reach the playoffs.
The club will hire a coach and engage Excel Sports Management to locate a sporting director, using the 60-day pause after May 23 game as a transition window.

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