A Revolution in New England

The New England Revolution have parted ways with the longest-tenured and most successful coach in their franchise’s history. Steve Nicol departs after 10 years on the job with a resume including 4 MLS Cup appearances but missing out on the championship each time.

This was a long season for the former Coach of the Year recipient. Nicol’s contract was up at the end of the year and there was uncertainty if team owner Robert Kraft was interested in bringing him back. Much like what we have been hearing from the Red Sox the past 3 weeks, there does appear to be a certain shelf life for head coaches. Additionally, Revolution captain Shalrie Joseph was playing out the final year of his deal and got into some preseason trouble along with third year defenseman Kevin Alston. (I know one of the Rev Girls and apparently the incident involved drugs and a physical altercation with a woman.)

Though the season started on a high note – managing a draw with an LA Galaxy squad featuring Landon Donovan and David Beckham, followed by a win over DC United (and my old classmate Charlie Davies) – it was all downhill from there. With only 4 more wins the rest of the season (against 16 losses and 12 draws) the Revolution missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year leading to Nicol’s departure. It’s impossible to deny the comparisons here to Terry Francona’s situation with the Red Sox. He was in the final year of his contract and missed the playoffs the past 2 seasons.

What we have seen this past decade with Boston sports teams is consistency. Steve Nicol (2002), Terry Francona (2004), Bill Belichick (2000) and Doc Rivers (2004) have all held their roles, successfully, for 7+ years. That patience goes back to the franchise owners understanding that they have the right man in charge and giving him room to work. Especially notable is the Nicol/Belichick connection as both the Revolution and Patriots are owned by Robert Kraft. He is one of the premier owners in sports and it's clear he knows how to manage people the right way.

Whatever his future holds, Nicol will be looked on fondly by Revolution fans for many years to come. He took the team from being an afterthought to a championship contender and will not be easily replaced.