Minnesota United Parts Ways with Head Coach Adrian Heath and Technical Director Mark Watson
Minnesota United, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, has made the decision to part ways with long-time head coach Adrian Heath and technical director Mark Watson, sources familiar with the situation confirmed to The Athletic. The sources chose to remain anonymous due to the confidentiality of the decision. A request for comment from Minnesota United has gone unanswered thus far.
Adrian Heath has been the only head coach in the history of Minnesota United since the team’s inaugural MLS season in 2017, overseeing a tenure that lasted nearly seven seasons. Mark Watson, on the other hand, started as an assistant on Heath’s coaching staff in 2017 and was eventually promoted to the role of technical director in 2019.
During his time with Minnesota United, Heath achieved a record of 81 wins, 91 losses, and 51 draws. This made him the fourth-longest tenured head coach in the MLS. Additionally, he led the team to the playoffs for four consecutive years.
However, the recent 5-1 loss to LAFC on Wednesday seemed to have contributed to the decision. With two games left in the regular season, Minnesota United is currently three points below the playoff line in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, they still have a mathematical chance of making it to the postseason.
Before joining Minnesota United, Adrian Heath spent five and a half years as a coach at Orlando City, including their first season and a half in the MLS. Mark Watson also served as an assistant on Heath’s coaching staff during their time in Orlando.
During his playing career, Heath played for Everton and won two league titles in the 1980s. He also had stints at Stoke City, Espanyol, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Sheffield United, and Burnley. Watson, on the other hand, had a noteworthy playing career as well, making 78 appearances for the Canadian national team and serving as the head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes in 2013-2014.
As news of their departure spreads, MLS fans eagerly await updates on the head coach search for Minnesota United and other teams within the league.
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