DC United Shake Things Up: Wayne Rooney Out As Coach, Marking 9th MLS Coaching Change This Season

Wayne Rooney is out as coach of DC United after a season, the team said Saturday night. (More Football News)

DC United and Rooney agreed to part ways, the team posted on social media hours after a win over New York City FC. DC United becomes the ninth team to change coaches in the MLS this season.

🥀Despite a 2-0 victory on Saturday, DC United failed to qualify for the playoffs. Rooney improved the team's point tally in his only full season at the helm, piling up 40 points with a record of 10-10-14. The team fell out of playoff contention when CF Montreal beat the Portland Timbers 4-1. 

🐎DC United missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season, matching a club mark from 2008-2011.

💮Jason Levien, DC United CEO and co-chairman said in a statement on social media that the separation from Rooney will allow the team's new general manager to “impart a new philosophy and structure onto our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a Head Coach who will best align with this.”

Rooney was named coach last year after a two-year stay as manager of Derby County🌠 in the English Championship. Prior to that, he was a designated player for United, playing in 48 matches with 23 goals and 15 assists. He was voted MLS Best XI in 2018, an All-Star in 2019, and was an MLS MVP finalist in 2018.

“We are grateful to Wayne Rooney🌼 for all he has done for our club and for soccer in the Nation's Capital, first as a DC United player and captain and most recently as our coach,” Levien said. “He remains an important part of the DC United family and a valued and cherished friend.”