FC Dallas announced that it had parted ways with coach Nico Estevez, effective immediately, and that assistant coach Peter Luccin would take over on an interim basis.
Estevez compiled a regular season record of 28-27-29 in parts of three seasons.
Dallas made the playoffs in both of Estévez's full seasons in charge, reaching the Western Conference semifinals in 2022. He was previously an assistant coach on the United States men's national team under current coach Gregg Berhalter.
“It is always a difficult decision to part ways with the head coach. A lot of thought and deliberation went into this move as it is still early in the season. We believe a change of coach is in the best interest of the club.” FC Dallas president Dan Hunt said in a statement.
“I want to thank Nico for everything he has done for the club, including some great playoff memories.” Estevez is the second coach fired under current sporting director Andre Zanotta.
On Saturday, in Estévez's last game as coach, Dallas drew 1-1 with Minnesota United. The team has a record of 3-8-5 and is in 12th place in the Western Conference.
Neither Estévez nor his predecessor, Luchi Gonzales, managed to return FCD to the heights it enjoyed under Oscar Pareja in the mid-2010s, a period that included a US Open Cup and Supporters Shield double in 2016.
Luccin, originally from Marseille, France, has been a part of the Dallas organization since 2013, spending two seasons with the club as a player before beginning his coaching career in Dallas' academy. He has been an assistant coach at the club since 2019. Details regarding Luccin's interim coaching staff will be announced at a later date.
“[Luccin] “He knows our players and understands our club culture, and we appreciate his willingness to step up and lead during this transition,” Hunt said.
