Full Breakdown
Austin FC Executes Mid-Season Overhaul, Dismissing Head Coach and Sporting Director
5/19/2026, 1:56:25 AM
Background: Recent Struggles
On May 18, 2026, Austin FC announced the immediate termination of head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell. The decision followed a 5-0 loss to San Diego FC on May 13, a 2-1 defeat to last-place Sporting Kansas City on May 16, and an overall 3-6-4 record that left the club 13th in the Western Conference.
Timeline of the Overhaul
- May 18 – Club announces firings; assistant Davy Arnaud named interim head coach.
- May 23 – Interim-led side faces St. Louis City SC.
- Late May–July – MLS World Cup break (?60 days) provides a natural transition window.
Key Numbers
- Current season: 3 wins, 6 losses, 4 draws (13 matches).
- 2025 record: 13-13-8, finished sixth in the West.
- Estévez guided the team to the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs and a U.S. Open Cup final.
Official Statements & Responses
CEO and majority owner Anthony Precourt thanked Borrell for his dedication, stressed the ownership’s duty to deliver a “winner,” and said a change was required to meet playoff goals. He confirmed that Excel Search & Advisory will conduct a global search for a new sporting director while the head-coach search proceeds.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans intensified calls for Estévez’s removal after the early U.S. Open Cup exit and the recent defeats, arguing the team fell short of expectations set by the prior playoff run. Critics noted that Borrell, despite experience with Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona, failed to assemble a roster capable of consistently challenging for top-conference spots.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact record after the first stretch: one cites a 3-6-4 tally (13 games), another reports a 3-5-6 record after 14 games. No public comments from Estévez or Borrell were released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Added Precourt of Borrell: "We are grateful to Rodo for his tireless dedication to improving the club.” — Anthony Precourt, CEO & Majority Owner, Austin FC
- “Nico has been a trusted ambassador for Austin FC and Austin during his time as Head Coach,” — Anthony Precourt
- “We believe this team can compete for a playoff position, and given our results thus far, a change is necessary to achieve our goals of qualifying for the playoffs this year and becoming a consistent winner in this League.” — Anthony Precourt
- “Names you wouldn’t believe,” — Rodolfo Borrell, former Sporting Director, Austin FC
What’s Next: Transition and Recruitment
Davy Arnaud will lead the side against St. Louis City SC on May 23. The ensuing 60-day World Cup pause offers Austin FC a window to complete searches for a permanent head coach and sporting director, aiming to align leadership across the first team, second team and academy.
