The Colorado Rapids are nearing the end of their search for a new head coach, with Chris Armas and Chris Little among the final candidates, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The decision is expected to be made soon, although the identities of the other two candidates have not been revealed. The Rapids finished at the bottom of the Western Conference this season and parted ways with Robin Fraser in September.
Chris Armas, who most recently served as the head coach of Toronto FC in 2021, is one of the leading contenders for the position. However, he was let go after just 11 league matches. Prior to that, Armas achieved success with the New York Red Bulls, winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2018. He also had coaching stints at Manchester United and Leeds United. Armas had an illustrious playing career, earning five MLS Best XI selections and winning an MLS Cup and four U.S. Open Cups with the Chicago Fire. He also represented the U.S. national team on 66 occasions.
On the other hand, Chris Little took over as Colorado’s interim coach following Fraser’s departure. Despite being well below the playoff line and having minimal stakes to play for, Little managed to guide the team to two wins and two draws in their final eight matches. Notably, six of those matches were against teams that eventually qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Little, who hails from Scotland, joined the Rapids coaching staff in 2021 after serving as the head coach of the Seattle Sounders’ second team, Tacoma Defiance.
The Colorado Rapids have been diligent in their coaching search, carefully considering all candidates. They have also started making moves in the offseason, with key players Jack Price and Diego Rubio announcing that they will not be returning to the club in 2024. This provides the team with flexibility under the salary cap. Additionally, the Rapids have DP forward Rafael Navarro on loan until the summer and will need to decide whether to exercise their purchase option to keep him. Irish midfielder Connor Ronan, fullbacks Andrew Gutman and Keegan Rosenberry, and rising midfielder Cole Bassett are also expected to play crucial roles for the team.
It’s worth noting that the Rapids are one of seven MLS teams currently in search of a new head coach. The other teams with coaching vacancies include the Portland Timbers, New England Revolution, Minnesota United, D.C. United, Chicago Fire, and New York Red Bulls.
In conclusion, the Colorado Rapids are nearing the end of their coaching search, with Chris Armas and Chris Little among the final candidates. Armas brings a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach, while Little has already shown promise as the team’s interim coach. The Rapids have also made significant roster moves, providing them with flexibility for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen who will ultimately be chosen as the team’s new head coach, but the decision is expected to be made soon.