Could Sigi Schmid be an Option for Atlanta United FC?

May 21, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid looks towards the bench before the start of a game against the Colorado Rapids at CenturyLink Field. Colorado won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid looks towards the bench before the start of a game against the Colorado Rapids at CenturyLink Field. Colorado won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

After being sacked by the Seattle Sounders, could Sigi Schmid be looking to join Atlanta United FC as their first coach to kick-off their inaugural MLS season?

Atlanta United FC are set to begin MLS play in the 2017 season next year but they have yet to hire a coach for their team. Recently sacked Sigi Schmid could be a viable option for them as they look to build from scratch. National soccer writer, Steve Davis, tweeted the proposed move between Sigi and ATL.

Schmid is one of the most successful and decorated managers in Major League Soccer history. He was sacked by the Seattle Sounders earlier this season after being the team’s only head coach in team history since their start in 2008. He may be looking for a new gig in MLS for the 2017 season.

Although Sigi is 63-years old, he may have one last role as a head coach/manager in his career. Even though the Sounders fell on tough times this season, they were able to have sustained success under Schmid’s reign as manager. For a team like Atlanta, who are starting their first season in MLS, an experienced veteran head coach like Sigi would be the perfect signing.

More from MLS Multiplex

Schmid will also get a chance to go out on top with Atlanta and not end in disappointment like he did with Seattle. His career includes being inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2015, two-time MLS Coach of the Year award winner (1999, 2008), CONCACAF Champions Cup (2000), Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Trophy (2001, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2002, 2008, 2014), and MLS Cup (2002, 2008).

There is no question that Schmid is one of the best managers that MLS has ever seen and in the past two decades. There aren’t any other potential candidates that have a better resume than Sigi. If he is interested in the job, there is no reason the new MLS club shouldn’t be on the phone with him making a deal happen.

Atlanta United FC have already had a strong start with their franchise as they have signed some big name players and a young designated player in Hector Villalba. Things are looking up for ATL as they are set to begin MLS play next year in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Having Sigi Schmid on the sidelines would be yet another huge boost to the organization as they look to burst onto the scene in Major League Soccer.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Schmid and if he intends to continue his coaching career going forward. There is no indication of who Atlanta United FC has on their radar to be their first manager but Sigi should definitely be a candidate.