FC Cincinnati: How the coronavirus benefits head coach search

FC Cincinnati still do not have a head coach. But the coronavirus is helping them as they take their time with their search for a new one.

Ron Jans quit as FC Cincinnati head coach on February 18th. That was almost two months ago. FC Cincinnati are still looking for his replacement.

Listen to the latest episode of the MLS Multiplex podcast here! — A look at the USSF

They were taking their time over the decision before the season started. After a disastrous 2019 campaign and a complete overhaul of the roster in the offseason, they were eager to ensure they got the right candidate, even if that meant sacrificing time.

Jans resigned amid claims that he said a racial slur in the dressing room. It was said that he uttered the slur when rapping along to a song, which some players took offence to. It has also been reported that he made an inappropriate comment regarding slavery during a visit to memorials in Washington DC.

More from MLS Multiplex

• Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
• Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
• USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
• De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
• Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States

Jans’ departure came two weeks before the start of the 2020 season, one in which Cincinnati were keen to find redemption. Obviously, this was not ideal timing. But they would not be rushed into finding a replacement. And now, they have ample time to select the right person.

General Manager Gerard Nijkamp, who is leading the search for Jans’ replacement, admitted this week that the coronavirus and all of the subsequent consequences have made it more difficult to conduct the search.

“The coaching search is part of the challenge,” Nijkamp told reporters on Wednesday. “If we don’t know when we restart this league, it will impact when we appoint a head coach. Of course, if we appointed a head coach today he’d get time to share his idea with staff and interact with the players but we have to keep in our minds to take responsibility for all members of the club. In this case, the timing for getting a new head coach is key. I’m still talking with a few candidates. We’re delaying a little bit but not canceling. We’re positive in a certain moment, we’ll back, then the new head coach of FC Cincinnati will have to be in market.”

He also confirmed that visits have been scheduled but only one conducted due to the borders closing. “We had one candidate for an in-market visit, the other two candidates did not because they’re from abroad,” he said. “It was in the time they closed the borders, it was not possible to bring them in.”

But while the logistics of the coaching search are certainly more awkward for Nijkamp and FC Cincainnti, the timeframe in which they have to make the decision is as long as a piece of string. It could be months until sport returns, and thereby Major League Soccer. And Cincinnati will be able to conduct a thorough search before it does. The borders will open before professional sport returns.

And so, as Cincinnati look to avoid their calamitous 2019, they can take their time and make sure they have the right person to lead them forward. There is no individual more important at your club than your manager. Cincinnati need to get the right one, and while the coronavirus throws a spanner in the logistics of their search, it also provides them with time to make the correct decision.