Chris Armas is poised to become the next Toronto FC head coach, according to a report Wednesday morning from TSN soccer analyst Kristian Jack.
Armas was released as New York Red Bulls manager in September 2020, ending a more than two-year run in charge of the Eastern Conference side. The Toronto opening emerged in early December when Greg Vanney stepped down, ending a seven-year spell in charge of the Reds. Vanney has since landed with the LA Galaxy, where he was a defender in Major League Soccer’s early days.
Armas went 29W-21L-11T with RBNY, helping the club reach the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He also led the team to the Supporters’ Shield in 2018, steering the side after now-RB Salzburg coach Jesse Marsch began his managerial career in Europe.
One Toronto connection for Armas arrives via sporting director Ali Curtis. Armas was an assistant coach at RBNY when Curtis was sporting director there from in the mid 2010s, creating some familiarity.
Armas was also linked to D.C. United’s head coach opening earlier this offseason, while MLSsoccer.com’s Tom Bogert and Dylan Butler reported on Dec. 31 that Armas interviewed for the TFC gig. Toronto were previously linked to former New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira as a possible candidate.
Toronto earned the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference last year, placing just behind the Philadelphia Union in the Supporters’ Shield race. Led by reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP Alejandro Pozuelo, they return most of their 2020 roster.
