Nowak tops list of candidates to replace Gullit

                                                                            Photo by ISIphotos.com

Ruud Gullit is packing his bags and Alexi Lalas is looking for work for the first time in years. What is left in the wake of the Los Angeles Galaxy's blood-letting is a team in need of direction and in desperate need of someone capable of cleaning up the mess.

If Gullit's struggles reminded us of anything, it is that coaches who are unfamiliar with MLS are always going to struggle to adapt to the league, its players and its unique rules. With that in mind, the Galaxy must seriously consider candidates with knowledge of the league, its teams and its players.

That is why, according to West Coast sources, U.S. Olympic team head coach and U.S. national team assistant Peter Nowak is a leading candidate to become the Galaxy's new head coach. AEG president Tim Leiweke has yet to contact any candidates, but sources tell SBI that Nowak is at the top of Leiweke's short list for the job.

Nowak spent three seasons as head coach of D.C. United, leading the team to an MLS Cup title in 2004, his first season in charge. Nowak left D.C. after seeing out his contract following the 2006 season, after which he joined the staff of U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley as Bradley's lead assistant.

Nowak is currently in China with the U.S. Olympic team, which plays a crucial match against Nigeria on Wednesday.

So why Nowak? The Galaxy clearly need someone with MLS experience, but also someone with championship experience. Nowak is considered as a coach who could step in and salvage a sinking ship in Los Angeles this year.

A former Polish national team star and standout midfielder with the Chicago Fire, which he captained to the 1998 MLS Cup title, Nowak has shown an ability to work well with veterans and young players alike.

Galaxy interim president Tom Payne would likely get an endorsement for Nowak from his own older brother, D.C. United president Kevin Payne, who hired Nowak to coach D.C. in 2004.

What other candidates are in the mix? You can expect former U.S. national team head coach Bruce Arena to be interviewed. Arena still boasts the best resume of any American coach in soccer history and expressed a desire to get back into coaching when interviewed in late spring. His relationship with Donovan is well-documented, and he also has a long-standing relationship with current interim Galaxy head coach Cobi Jones, who played for him on the national team. Arena struggled with the New York Red Bulls, but considering the list of accomplished coaches to struggle in New York, it isn't likely to be held against Arena in this process.

So what's my take? Nowak is the perfect candidate and makes the most sense. I also think a re-charged Bruce Arena could step in and straighten things out. After that, it's tough to think of too many candidates who fit the MLS experience criteria that would also be capable of jumping right into the current LA mess and turning things around this year.

Who do you think the Galaxy should hire to straighten things out? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Matt Mathai]

It'll be interesting to see how Nowak's authoritarian style sits with players like Beckham and Donovan

[Cory]

So who replaces nowak?

[DeLarge]

He needs to stay w/ Us Soccer.

[Zero Cool]

Keep coach Cobi in charge like the FANS want. It would be nice if AEG and the FO could do something in our interest besides sell jersey's of old golden balls

They Don't care about Gullit
They Don't care about Fans
LA Galaxy
We're in the Wrong Hands!

[RPH]

I've always been an Arena fan. This could be a good fit.

[Paul]

Why not Steve Nicol? The best coach in MSL would seem an obvious choice.

[brett]

geez, with all the USMN fans constantly complaining about Nowak's player choices and formations, i would think that thered be more people on here saying he needs to go...

[brett]

i agree with Zero...

Keep Cobi, give him a few seasons to reform the team... this is not going to be an overnight process...

just look at what Kries did with RSL...

it will take some time to redevelope

[Michael F.]

Octavio Zambrano

[Justice]

I think Nowak is the perfect hire for LA. Say what you will about his coaching style, but he imposed his will on every team his been on. I particualarly remember those DC teams being a great combination of strong attacking play and a hard nosed, blue collar work ethic- one of these LA already has, now they just need the discipline and the spine that Nowak would instill. I think Arena could do well too with Landon and Cobi and Becks as well. I think Arena needs to stick around until the Neew York City #2 team comes around. He'd be a great fit either there or Philly.

[Johnny]

Nowak left the MLS to spend more time with his family. That is why he decided coaching as an assistant for the USMNT would be the right job for him. Why in the hell would he want to subject himself to a team in which their superstar player calls the shots. He might be at the top of their short list but there is no way he takes on this disaster.

[MK]

I'm pretty sure Nicol is coaching somewhere else...

[RK]

Maybe that's why Tim L waited to get rid of Lalas/Gullit -- he wanted to see how Nowak and his team performed.

[Al17]

It'll be interesting to see how Nowak's authoritarian style sits with players like Beckham and Donovan
Posted by: Matt Mathai | August 12, 2008 at 12:11 PM

Matt,
Nowak is nowhere near as bad as Ferguson is @ Manchester United or for the matter Capello when he was at Real Madrid.
Beckham and Donovan will be fine if Nowak is selected as the new coach of the Galaxy.

[Brando]

There's no time for Cobi Jones to learn on the job. This is a total PR mess and Becks can't be happy to be in the middle of this quagmire. Nowak or Arena are probably it.

Whoever comes in needs to fix this as much as possible as quickly as possible. Thing is, is it how the players are playing, or is it the lack of quality of the supporting cast around Becks and Landycakes?

It might be too late to get much better this season no matter who comes in to coach.

[ELAC]

This tema needs stability, either Nowak or Arena can provide that.

That said, they'll both be fired for not producing an attractive style of play. Donovan is gone, so Arena coming will be a non-factor. Beckham playing for either coach will be a hot issue.

Beckham and his peeps will have a say in the selection.

[Piney O]

To the two cats that want Cobi left in charge....uh, no way MLS's crown jewel gets left in the hands of Cobi Jones....As much as I thin Nowak might be "hot" if he does anything with the olymipc team I think Arena will be brought in.....Remember Nowak was in charge when savior Freddy was brought into the league and really didn't want to deal with being told Freddy had to get on the field and didn't like the sideshow that came with it.......

[Sean]

I think Nowak or Arena would be good choices for the club. I lean a bit more towards Nowak because of his disciplined mentality. I think David Beckham would also appreciate this as he is still working to stay in contention for a place on the England squad.

And, of course, I think Donovan would also benefit from this because of his desire to play overseas. I know everyone is on and on about Freddy Adu, as am I. But, I really believe that Donovan was equally as gifted as Adu is and his progress has been a bit stunted because of maturity and other factors, which I don't blame him for.

So, Donovan needs a coach who will get the most from him. I think Nowak could do that better.

[SlimJim]

Nowak (or Arena for that matter) = Big Mistake.

[United fury]

Another thing to keep in mind is that Nowak had success with a well disciplined
squad and generally works better with a squad used to playing a 3-5-2.(ala FCD under Morrow)The Galaxy will need time to adapt to the 3-5-2 system especially with the piss poor defense they have.(DCU had the best defense in the league in 2006 with Namoff, Boswell, and Erpen who had played together for quite some time)

[aristotle]

The Galaxy need to get rid of Lieweke because this is just more madness and now clearly demonstrates that Lieweke is a part of it as well.

No sooner does everyone scream hooray because Lalas and Gullitt are gone, then we have to hear Nowak might be the new coach.

Don't get me wrong, I think overall that Nowak is an excellent coach and think most of the criticism of his handling of the U.S. Olympic team is brutally unfair, but he is the type of coach that is all about work and discipline and can be too authoritarian. He does not fit at all with the Galaxy. Schmid was fired from the Galaxy because he was so dull and defensive, and I understood that. Nowak is better than that but he is far from what you would call a fun coach, and it would take time for him to impose his style on the team just like it has with the Olympic team. He'll never tolerate Donovan's games where he just disappears. If Donovan sticks around he will have hurt feelings in no time flat. We were all led to believe that Gullitt was ripping into the players and rubbing a lot of players the wrong way, it won't be too much better under Nowak as far as that's concerned. He needs a certain kind of player that is dead serious, hard working, and disciplined and will even pick much lesser talents over very talented players if he can't get the hard work and discipline he wants from them. He's a good coach, but the wrong choice for the galaxy. Cobi has no experience but you just get the feeling that he could be exactly what the Galaxy needs, and what the fans would want, if he has some coaching ability. Give him the rest of the season.

Why is Nowak looking for a job anyway? Supposedly he had to quit D.C. United just to be the coach of the U.S. Olympic Team and assistant coach on the national team. Does this mean he is quitting?

[Sean]

Intelligent assessment SlimJim.

Also wanted to say the Nowak would probably demand a lot of the young guys on the team and would certainly help them improve their skills.

Ives, your blog is best. Other great ones exist too, but yours is my favorite.

[Kevin M]

Nowak left MLS to coach US Soccer. I don't know why he would want to come back to MLS already.

[BK]

If you want to win, just copy DC United.

[PeteK]

Paul Mariner should get the job.

[White Kix]

Please no Nowak or Arena. I think Cobi should get a real shot. Other than that, I still think Harkes needs an opportunity as a head coach. That or bring in El Pibe.

[kev13p]

Paul Mariner is too smart to take the job.

[MtP]

Nowak in charge of Landon. Sounds like a brutal arrangement for both :)

[BFBS]

I agree with PeteK. Paul Mariner is a long-time assistant with a succesful MLS franchise, and is a former renowned English international striker to boot. The guy should be given the keys to the Ferrari that is the Galaxy. Sadly, however, it won't happen precisely because the Gals are a Ferrari, and would look for someone with head coaching experience. Prepare for S*xy Arena Football.

[Metzeng]

The problem in LA is Lie-weekly. That guys is detestable. His role in moving San Jose to Houston was dishonest, unprofessional, reckless, and slimy. He's the quintessential backstabbing corporate sycophant. He's a gangrenous sore in that organization. I hope he stays in LA for years and years to come.

[tedhill]

Ives Galarcep for head coach!

[Curtis Spiteri]

Dave

[Curtis Spiteri]

Sarachan

[TCompton]

I think Nowak would be a great coach for LA. He's a coach that can lay a foundation of professionalism and discipline, something clearly lacking in the LA Galaxy organization. Those two things alone will help younger players to reach levels they're not capable of reaching on there own.

Unfortunately, players like Beckham and Donovan will have a tough time with this, as Stewart did for United, but it's hard to argue with a program that led to 1 MLS Cup championship and a Supporters Shield.

As for Arena, I don't think he's someone that will rescue a club. I think Arena is a great coach and someone who is best suited to follow up Nowak's work once the players are in peak physical form and operating under an expectation of winning. This is why I believe he failed in New York. Red Bull New York needed a field general, but got an tactical general instead.

From a Red Bulls perspective think that Osorio, may be a good blend between the two.

[Sergio]

The problem with LA isnt so much the coaching but the fact that they cant make any moves. THey dont have anything of value they can get rid of to aquire something better. They are pretty much stuck with what they have at this point and the problem with Ruud is that his contacts and connections are with BIG TIME players. LA has its "Big Time" guys already they need a guy who is good finding gems.

Ruud GUllit would have been a good coach if you had money to burn and are looking to lure big time players here. If you already have that you need to get a coach that will build a team around these guys. You really think Gullit is going to go to some rinky dink country on a dirt field and watch some kid play?

Nowak MAY be that person since he's had to scout for the US U-23 he might have some guys already in mind that might be available. Either ways this season is pretty much done, you cant make sh!t into gold.

The thing about AEG is that Beckham's contract runs out in 3 years so they dont have much time for "rebuilding", by the time they have a good team Beckham will be in his last year and probably out, thus losing all chances of selling Beckham Championship gear.

[Angel]

Well that are a lots of name popping up, Like Arena, Nowak, paul Mariner, Even Steve Sampson & Mauricio Cinfuego (Wow I Wish) but is not the Coach problem is the system in the MLS that doesn't work, Please upgrade the damn Salary Cap. WOW now that they are Charging 50 million to own a Team. JAJAJA!! they asking a lot for a franchise but paying penuts to the players typical. Anyway I think Cobi can do a good job and I hope he learn enough from Gullit and all the other coaches he had before, and bring back Cienfuego to be his assistant.

[RK]

Angel, that's a lame excuse. The other teams are just as handicapped as they are.

[John]

It's fascinating to read some of the mis-information about Nowak, about how he's a disciplinarian. Actually, the DCU players when asked about him after he left said that he was more likely to cozy up to players and be a friend than to be a strict, hard-line kind of guy. I don't think he's a great communicator, I think he tries really hard to win and believes in rewarding effort (so he'll play some players to-death in part because he feels others haven't "earned" the PT regardless of your schedule). For all the argument about a 3-5-2, he's playing 4 in the back with the Olympic side.

I think Nowak would get a long VERY well with Beckham (who has always been about work and heart--two things Nowak demands from all of his players). And Nowak would run very European practices (show up on time, work hard so the game is easier than the practice).

But unless Nowak has had a change of heart, I can't see him going back to MLS as a club coach. His dream is to coach the Polish NT. Coaching the LAG doesn't get him there. He might take on the LAG gig to end this season and then pass it on. But taking on a coaching role that involves a lot of off-season travel (what team Hollywood is in to--gotta sell more of those jersies!) is a lousy fit for him.

I also don't know how good of a fit Arena is. His big mantra has always been about how important it is to have a good organization and how MLS coaches are so accountable yet have so little authority. He'd want his own guys in for trainers, assistants, GM and day-to-day operations stuff. And I think he'd see Lieweke as a "meddler" and thus undercutting him.

[MIKE]

Any truth to the rumour that JCO Wife want him to interview for the LA job because LA has a bigger Columbian population and that they need to go there for "personal reasons" ?

[Angel]

RK
is not an excuse, and that is why the got rid of Lalas, cause he screw up with the roster and did know how to used the misirable Salary Cap, but if we want a good product on the field and bring more players to the mls they have to upgrade the Salary cap. but anyway that is not the subject here, LA Galaxy has the right Idea to leave Coby as a inter coach, all he need is a right hand man to help him, and I think Cienfuego could be a right guy.

[Joe]

I hope its Arena. I, being a Fire supporter, think the only job Nowak should do in the MLS is the Fire. He should have got the job in the summer but didnt want it. So why would he want to go to LA. Its just a circus that isnt going to be fun. They have no defense and no cap room to bring anyone in. The coach has to win with the team he gets and I dont see that happening as long as Ruiz, Landycakes and Beckham are on the roster. They make too much money to let anyone else do anything.

[jgildea]

Nowak was one of those Euro coaches that was fed up with MLS... After the Olympics he might have options in Europe or to stay with the National team.

[Mark]

Oh, how I wish this was a post about how Nowak was the first-in-line to replace Clavijo in Colorado. That, in fact, the deal was done and that we're just waiting for Nowak to come back from China.

HAHAHAHA! Pardon me, clearly this season has sent me completely over the edge. We all know that Kroenke won't fire Clavijo and wouldn't bother trying to replace him with someone of Nowak's caliber. Sigh.

[james]

Mo Johnston because of his footballing mind. He did good in New York and Toronto. He might just be what the galaxy need this year for a playoff push and he'll draft well next year.

[Reid]

If there is anyone from north of the border that could direct me to a pub that has fox soccer or setanta in montreal I would greatly appreciate it.

[Joe Ginto]

Brett:
Count me among those who think the best thing for U.S. Soccer is to jettison Nowak. As a Fire fan, he had my ultimate respect. I loved his engine and his creativity. It was great to watch and I was happy to see him get his time behind the bench...but he's proven to be a brutal coach, IMO. Having his 'talent' remain in MLS will be net plus for the Fire and the U.S. U-23's...hey, it's a win-win.

For all their money, clout and star power, I can't understand how AEG can't get their act together as it relates to the Galaxy. These are incredibly successful business people... obviously soccer, and particularly, MLS is not your typical business but the point still stands. They've been one bumbling cluster**** after another.

[Betinho]

Ray Hudson!!!

[noname]

I'm sorry to see Gullit go. He made some legitimate criticisms on the state of player development in the country and the inability to develop depth within the MLS club system beyond the simplistic salary cup issues. His tactics offered up a lot of goals too and you can't blame him for making the trades that brought him such weak, old and high priced defenders.

I'm not sure I buy into the argument that foreign coaches can't succeed in this league. Maybe they don't have the patience for it but there is a lot they have to offer. I'm also sure that just as many home grown coaches have been fired or left MLS as foreign imports. Would be interesting to put together the stats.

[Mrs. Andrulis]

Greg Andrulis!! Galaxy would be wise to snatch up the only coach to ever get Cumblowus Crew some hardware (open cup and SS). That ladies and gentlemen is just as difficult as turning aaround the circus in LA.

[SonicDeathMonkey]

@Paul

You do Nicol already has a job with the top team in the league, right? Secondly, what the hell is the MSL??

[Greg Ryan]

I'm available for the job.

[JesseMT]

Jose Mourinho!!! SUPERCLUB!!! Oh, wait...

Man, I miss Alexi Lalas already.

[Bootsy]

Hey Galaxy -- try this one:

Andrulis.

He's tanned, rested and ready for you.

[zenabi]

I think we all agree that the salary cap is a problem for a variety of reasons, including re-making a club overnight. That said, watch DCU, NE, CHI, HOU, or hell, even FCD lately and tell me that you can't build a team that plays a damn good game and can compete outside MLS pretty well (at least for a game or two). Bottom line is that they have made horrible personnel moves and are paying the price. Look at what Nicol does year in and year out- find and identify talent within the rules. The cap needs to go up but it's a hell of a lousy excuse for this debacle. LAG is on the way to becoming the Newcastle of MLS...

[Kaiser]

First of all, the Galaxy need to give Cobi a fair shot before they start naming possible replacements.

The guys who wrote about Paul Mariner have it right. He is the perfect fit for the Gs. Consider:
-He's an Englishman who's goal scoring record would demand the respect from the players (epsecially Beckham).
-Mariner has worked in MLS for years and understands how the league works. He is considered one of the top assistants in the league.
-He is also considered by some to be the mastermind behind many of the New England's great drafts, and that skill would be important to a team that would need a steady stream of young talent at a bargain price to fit alongside the superstars.
-He's a player's coach who motivates guys to play hard.
-He would bring a 3-5-2 system in which Beckham would thrive (2 defensive minded midfielders behind him would free him up to attack), and could allow Donovan to roam in attacking role.

If AEG finally gets thier head out of thier a**, they will see he is the logical choice.

[SeaOtter]

I'm not sure that Nowak or Arena are "sexy" enough for The Gals.

[Eugene]

I don't think Arena struggled that much with the Red Bulls. In fact, I think he was a good coach and wish the team hadn't fired him. I think he could have improved the team further with another year at the helm. His firing had little to do with him and much more to do with an egomaniac general manager who left the Red Bulls to become a vice president at a rival softdrink maker.

I'm happy that loser is gone and I don't think he gave Arena a fair shake at the end of a relatively successful season. I think Arena would be a good coach for LA and could handle the high profile players on the team. I'm not sure that Nowak could do that given his demeanor and the problems he was having with DC players the season before he left DC (where his cracking the whip led to disgruntled and fatigued players).

[Rafa]

I think for the moment Cobi will be fine. No to both Nowak and Arena. I think they need to go for Mariner. He's not the sexy pick but he would turn LA into the winner MLS wants for the 'jewel' of the league. Question is would he want to leave a successful team in NE to be on a somewhat sinking ship? Would AEG even give him enough time to turn it around. I felt that Ruud was bring a sexy style of football to LA so a longshot would be for AEG to look into Mexico or some other South American country for an established coach to pick up where Ruud left off. That coach also needs some vet MLS staffers behind him to help with scouting and player development.

[rkupp]

Klinsy.

[Kaiser]

I think Klinsy is a little busy in the Bundesliga.

[Joseph D'Hippolito]

If I'm Nowak, I don't go anywhere near the Galaxy. That club has burned four coaches (Schmid, Sampson, Yallop, Gullit) in four years -- each of whom won something signficiant in his career (MLS Cups, U.S. Open Cups, NCAA championships, an FA cup in Gullit's case). What's the problem? For one thing, expectations are unrealistically high. For another, management always seems to meddle. Now, you've got Beckham's people meddling. Who wants to put up with that?

That's another reason why the Galaxy won't get Arena. He would want too much control and Leiweke won't give it to him.

[Joseph D'Hippolito]

Besides, Nowak and Arena are more strong personalities who would conflict w/management. Neither would last a full season because neither would tolerate the Galaxy's loony management.

Cobi's going to be coach for longer than anybody thinks because he knows how to get along in that environment.

[beckster]

LA can have Nowak and his strange lineups. Good luck LA with 3 in the back of an already leaky defense. I can't imagine his authoritarian style working in LA. Many of us United fans didn't think too highly of him in DC, are not thrilled with him with the U23 team and would be happy to see him go somewhere else in MLS. And, would love to see Arena back in DC so hope he doesn't go West.

[martha in miami]

Ditto on the El Pibe, who is having great success in St. Pete. FL and our beloved Ray *best quote in futbol* Hudson!!! Miss them much...p.s. Again say what you will about JCO, but please leave his wife out of it, as it is a highly inappropriate and disrespectful remark.

[John Warner]

Here! Here! The Galaxy need to get rid of Lieweke! Clean House!

Galaxy short list for coaches:
Pele
Marcelo Balboa
Alexi Lalas
Saving the best for last:
Cobi Jones

Give him a chance. The season is almost lost by now anyway, what do the Galaxy have to loose? The management at the Galaxy Stinks. I am a season ticket holder and I can not tell you how offended I am bye the lack of competence in the Front Office.

LA Jammer out!