FC Dallas fires coach Estevez after three seasons

FC Dallas announced it had parted ways with manager Nico Estevez, effective immediately, with assistant coach Peter Luccin taking over on an interim basis.

Estevez compiled a regular season record of 28-27-29 over parts of three seasons.

Dallas made the playoffs in both of the full seasons Estevez was in charge, reaching the Western Conference semifinals in 2022. He was previously an assistant coach with the United States men’s national team under current manager Gregg Berhalter.

“It is always a difficult decision to part ways with your head coach. A great deal of thought and deliberation went into this move as it is still early in the season. We believe a coaching change is in the best interest of the club,” said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt in a statement.

“I want to thank Nico for everything he has done for the club, including some great playoff memories.” Estevez is the second manager to be let go under current sporting director Andre Zanotta.

On Saturday, in Estevez last game as a coach, Dallas drew 1-1 with Minnesota United. The team has a 3-8-5 record and is in the 12th position in the Western Conference.

Neither Estevez nor predecessor Luchi Gonzales were able to bring FCD back to the heights it enjoyed under Oscar Pareja during the mid-2010s, a period that included a U.S. Open Cup and Supporters Shield double in 2016.

Luccin, a native of Marseille, France, has been part of the Dallas organization since 2013, spending two seasons with the club as a player before beginning his coaching career in Dallas’ academy. He has been an assistant coach with the club since 2019. Details regarding Luccin’s interim coaching staff will be announced at a later date.

“[Luccin] knows our players and understands the culture of our club, and we appreciate his willingness to step up and lead during this transition,” said Hunt.