FC Dallas have parted ways with head coach Nico Estévez, the club announced Sunday.
Assistant coach Peter Luccin takes over as interim coach, while the search for a permanent replacement begins immediately.
"It is always a difficult decision to part ways with your head coach," club president Dan Hunt said in a statement. "A great deal of thought and deliberation went into this move as it is still early in the season. We believe a coaching change is in the best interest of the club.
"I want to thank Nico for everything he has done for the club, including some great playoff memories."
Coach history
Estévez went 28W-27L-28D during his two-and-a-half seasons at the helm, after serving as an assistant alongside US men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter. The Spaniard led FC Dallas to Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearances in 2022 and 2023 and the Leagues Cup knockout stage last year.
FC Dallas have been plagued by injuries – playmaker Alan Velasco suffered an ACL injury late last year and midfielder Paxton Pomykal is out for the remainder of 2024 with a knee injury. Club-record signing Petar Musa (5g/2a) has partnered with Jesús Ferreira, who has also missed time due to injury and produced 2g/4a in 10 appearances.
What's next?
FC Dallas are 3W-8L-5D this season and winless in their last five matches, including Saturday's 1-1 draw at Minnesota United FC. Luccin takes over a side that's 13th in the Western Conference with 14 points, seven points below the playoff line with two games in hand.
"Peter Luccin has been a part of this club at all levels – a player, an academy coach and a first-team assistant," Hunt said. "He knows our players and understands the culture of our club, and we appreciate his willingness to step up and lead during this transition."
Luccin, a first-team assistant coach since 2019 under previous head coach Luchi Gonzalez, will debut as interim coach when FC Dallas host St. Louis CITY SC on June 15 (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
