Austin FC recently parted ways with its founding head coach, Josh Wolff, after missing out on the playoffs. This marks a significant turning point for Austin’s first major league professional sports team, which will welcome only its second-ever head coach. Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell’s message is unmistakable: the bar has been set high, and the team is committed to achieving excellence on the field.
Borrell took full responsibility for the decision to move on from Wolff, citing the team’s failure to meet its goal of making the playoffs. “Expectations were clearly outlined from the start, and unfortunately, they weren’t met,” Borrell explained. He emphasized that the choice was not based on a single season but rather on evaluating Wolff’s four-year tenure. With just 45 wins in 135 matches and three seasons without a playoff appearance, a change was necessary despite some challenging circumstances beyond the coach’s control.
Borrell’s vision is for Austin FC to consistently rank among the top-performing clubs in MLS. With Wolff’s departure, he now has the opportunity to select a coach who aligns with that ambition. The search for a new head coach is already attracting significant interest, with over 25 candidates reaching out in the first 24 hours. Whoever takes on the role will face the challenge of revitalizing a roster still in need of a reliable goal scorer and navigating key players’ struggles, including star midfielder Sebastián Driussi and record signing Osman Bukari.
A new coach will not only be tasked with improving on-field results but also connecting with Austin’s passionate and unique fanbase. The city’s vibrant supporter culture has always been a crucial aspect of the club’s identity, and finding a coach who can resonate with that spirit is a priority for Borrell. “The ability to engage with our fans and fit into the culture of our city is a key factor,” he noted.
Ultimately, success on the pitch will be the measure by which the new coach, and Borrell himself, will be judged. With four seasons behind them since their MLS debut, Austin FC is moving beyond excuses. The time has come for the club to deliver results and aim higher.
Despite the departure of Josh Wolff, Austin fans can expect to see familiar faces next season. Borrell confirmed that midfielder Owen Wolff, Josh’s 19-year-old son, will remain a key part of the squad. Owen has made significant strides, playing in nearly every match this season and demonstrating maturity beyond his years despite the challenges of being coached by his father. With a new head coach coming in, Owen will finally have the chance to carve out his path without the shadow of family ties, allowing him to focus solely on his growth as a player.
Borrell dismissed any notion that Owen’s playing time was due to nepotism, asserting that the young midfielder’s potential is among the highest in the league. As the team prepares for its final game of the season, under interim coach Davy Arnaud, there is hope that a new era will bring renewed energy and a clear path to success.
Other key players, such as Dani Pereira and Driussi, are also expected to return next year, further solidifying the core of a team eager to rise. With a new head coach at the helm, Austin FC has the opportunity to redefine its identity, aiming to become a perennial contender in Major League Soccer. The road ahead may be challenging, but there is a sense of optimism in the air—a belief that the best is yet to come.