Sporting KC part ways with interim coach Kerry Zavagnin

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Sporting Kansas City announced a mutual parting with interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin on Tuesday.

Zavagnin, a former player and assistant coach who has been with the team for 26 seasons, took over when Peter Vermes was fired on March 31 after an 0-5-1 start to the 2025 season.

Zavagnin, 51, and Sporting KC finished the season in last place in the 15-team Western Conference with a 7-20-7 record.

“As a Sporting community, we are deeply grateful to Kerry for everything he has contributed, both during his distinguished career as a player and throughout his many years on our technical staff,” the team said in a news release. “His leadership, dedication, and passion have made a lasting impact on our club, our players, and our fans.”

Zavagnin played for Kansas City from 2000-08 and was the club’s all-time leader in games, starts and minutes at the time of his retirement. He joined the coaching staff in 2009 and was inducted into the Sporting Legends Hall of Honor in 2016.

“Kerry is a Sporting Legend and his impact on this club is permanent,” co-principal owner Michael Illig said. “For 26 seasons, he gave everything he had to Sporting both as a player and as a coach. His name hangs on the walls of our stadium because the standard he set is woven into the identity of this club.

“Through a difficult season and a major transition, he carried himself with the same steady presence that made him a Sporting Legend in the first place. Kerry has a real desire to stay on the field and continue coaching and we respect him immensely for that. He leaves with our full support and with genuine appreciation for everything he has meant to Sporting Kansas City.”

SKC is one of four MLS teams with a head coaching vacancy, along with the Colorado Rapids, New York Red Bulls and St. Louis City.

–Field Level Media