LA Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid Quits Abruptly

CARSON, CA — With just six games remaining in the Major League Soccer season and the team fighting for a playoff berth, LA Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid announced Monday he is stepping down, effective immediately.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to step away from coaching at this time, but would like to remain in the game," Schmid said in a statement released by the team. "With six games remaining as the club fights for a playoff spot, I understand the timing of this decision is unfortunate."

Assistant coach Dominic Kinnear was appointed as interim coach, inheriting a team that is 10-10-8 and eighth in the 12-team Western Conference, three points behind Seattle Sounders FC, who hold the conference's sixth and final playoff berth.

"I believe this group can come together and fight for a spot this season under Dom's guidance," Schmid said.

Schmid returned to the Galaxy 20 games into the 2017 season when they were 6-10-4 and ninth in the 11-team Western Conference. The Galaxy were 2-8-4 the rest of the season, finishing last in the conference for the first time in the history of the team that began play in 1996.

Schmid initially coached the Galaxy from 1999-2004, guiding them to the 2002 MLS Cup and a 79-53-32 record. Schmid is the winningest coach in MLS history with 266 victories. He also won an MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew in 2008. He coached Seattle Sounders FC from 2009-16. His MLS career record is 240- 183-125.

Galaxy President Chris Klein thanked the 65-year-old Schmid for his work with the team, calling him an "integral part" of the team's success.

"We respect Sigi's decision and we will continue to focus on our push for playoffs as we move forward," Klein said. "Dom is one of the finest coaches in the history of this league, and we trust him to lead this group for the remainder of the season."

Kinnear began his coaching career as an assistant with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2001. He became the team's coach in 2004, remaining with it when it moved to Houston for the 2006 season. He guided the Dynamo to MLS Cup titles in 2006 and 2007.

Kinnear returned to San Jose in 2014 to coach the new version of the Earthquakes, remaining with them until being fired in the midst of the 2017 season. His 166 victories are third in MLS history behind Schmid and former Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who has 202.

City News Service; Photo: Head coach Sigi Schmid of the Los Angeles Galaxy (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)