MLS News: Red Bulls Fire Coach Sandro Schwarz, Name Julian de Guzman as Head of Sport
The Colorado Rapids and New York Red Bulls have parted ways with their head coaches, Chris Armas and Sandro Schwarz respectively, following their failure to secure playoff spots.
“We're grateful to Chris for the professionalism and passion he brought to the club...”
The Colorado Rapids and New York Red Bulls have parted ways with their head coaches after failing to secure a playoff spot in the MLS. Chris Armas, who led the Colorado Rapids, and Sandro Schwarz, who coached the New York Red Bulls, were both let go by their respective teams.
The decision comes after both teams missed the playoffs, with the Red Bulls experiencing a particularly disappointing season. They finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 12-15-7 record, ending their 15-year playoff streak. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rapids finished 11th in the Western Conference with an 11-15-8 record.
Armas, who had been in discussions about a new contract, leaves behind a legacy of progress with the Rapids. During his tenure, the team showed improvement, but ultimately fell short of playoff contention this season. Schwarz, on the other hand, led the Red Bulls to the MLS Cup final last year but struggled to replicate that success this season.
The Red Bulls have promoted Julian de Guzman to replace Jochen Schneider as the club's head of sport for the 2026 season. The team will now begin searching for a new head coach to lead them into the next season.
The 53-year-old American coach has a record of 33 wins, 36 losses, and 13 draws over the past two seasons with Colorado. Despite leading the team to the playoffs last year, they missed out on the postseason this year, finishing 11th in the Western Conference with an 11-15-8 record.
OFFICIAL: The club and Head Coach Chris Armas mutually agree to part ways following the completion of his contract.
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) October 27, 2025
📰 » https://t.co/j3RuvD3xQD#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/u6vGBuLQjG
Before joining Colorado, he led the New York Red Bulls to the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2018, recognizing the team with the best regular-season record. His success with the Red Bulls showcases his coaching abilities, making his current situation with Colorado a notable contrast.
“We're grateful to Chris for the professionalism and passion he brought to the club,” Rapids president Padraig Smith said.
“He helped our group take meaningful steps forward over the past two seasons and leaves behind a strong culture that will serve us well as we begin this next chapter.”
The New York Red Bulls have parted ways with head coach Sandro Schwarz as part of a major leadership shakeup. Schwarz, who is 47, leaves the team after guiding them to the MLS Cup final last season. During his tenure, he compiled a 31-29-21 record across all competitions.
Thank you, Sandro.
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) October 27, 2025
Sandro guided our team through an incredible 2024 playoff run and raised the standards around the First Team.
We thank Sandro for his contributions to the club and wish him, along with his family, all the best in the future. pic.twitter.com/xcF5aNP9xP
Julian de Guzman will succeed Jochen Schneider as the club's head of sport for the 2026 season. Guzman will play a key role in shaping the team's future, while Schneider steps down to focus on family commitments. The Red Bulls finished the 2025 season in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, ending their 15-year playoff streak.
Schwarz's tenure was marked by inconsistency and injuries, particularly this season, which saw the team miss the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. The Red Bulls finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 12-15-7 record.
“We would like to thank Sandro for his dedication in leading our team on the pitch over the last two seasons,” the club said in a statement. “His professionalism and commitment have left a lasting impact on the organization, and we will always remember him for securing our first Eastern Conference Championship.”
Sandro Schwarz led the Red Bulls to the MLS Cup final last season, where they lost 2-1 to the LA Galaxy. During his two-season tenure, he compiled a 31-29-21 record across all competitions.
The team has announced that Julian de Guzman, the current sporting director, will take over as head of sport for the 2026 season. De Guzman was part of the club's long-term succession plan, and Schneider praised him, saying, “Mentoring Julian has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here, and I have no doubt that he is the perfect person to take the helm and lead the Red Bulls into their next chapter.”
Jochen Schneider, the outgoing head of sport, is leaving the club to return to his family in Europe. “It has been an incredible privilege and honor to lead this extraordinary organization and work alongside such talented individuals,” Schneider said. “Over the past few years, I've poured my heart into this club, and I am immensely proud of what we've accomplished together.”
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) October 27, 2025
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