Cassar Out: RSL fires head coach

Real Salt Lake has fired head coach Jeff Cassar, according to a club release.

The club will immediately begin a search for a replacement, with assistant coach over goalkeeping Daryl Shore taking over as interim coach.

From the release:

"We want to thank Jeff for his many contributions to the success of Real Salt Lake over the past decade, including our championship run in 2009. Jeff has always handled himself with class and dignity and represented the organization and community extremely well," RSL Owner Dell Loy Hansen said. "We wish Jeff and his family much success in their future endeavors."

Waibel, also in the release:

"At the conclusion of last season, we felt that while we were disappointed in the end result, Jeff had done enough to earn another shot to lead the team in the 2017 campaign. We have a high sense of urgency for progress this season, and have made many off-season changes towards that endeavor. So, while these decisions are always difficult, we, as an organization, felt that it was necessary to make the change in our head coaching position now," Waibel said. "The process for a hiring new head coach to lead the club has already begun. We will work quickly and diligently to ensure that we find the right leader that shares our values, passion, commitment and vision."

It is unclear who will be the next coach, but rumors have flown consistently about Mike Petke being handed the job if Cassar was sacked. Given Real Monarchs start their season on Saturday, it’s unclear what the club has in mind.

This story will be updated with the latest news when it becomes available.