When a story surfaced almost a month ago detailing issues between Colorado head coach Gary Smith and technical director Paul Bravo, it was clear one of them wouldn't be back for 2012.
As it turns out, Smith will be the one not returning.
The Colorado Rapids parted ways with Smith on Monday, announcing that they would not renew the contract of the coach who led the Rapids to the 2010 MLS Cup title.
Source told SBI last month that Rapids officials believed Smith was instrumental in leaking the story to the Denver Post of the conflict between Smith and Bravo, a move apparently aimed at putting pressure on the Rapids to make a decision between keeping Smith and keeping Bravo. Ultimately, Colorado chose to keep Bravo, and cut its ties with Smith, who has been the team's coach since taking over as interim head coach for Fernando Clavijo in 2008.
Ultimately, Smith seemed destined to leave the club once he failed to agree to a new contract after leading the Rapids to the 2010 MLS Cup title.
Who will the Rapids turn to now? Assistant coach Steve Guppy is one possibility, while former Colorado Rapids player and Chicago Fire head coach Denis Hamlett is among the list of potential candidates for the position.
What do you think of this development? Think the Rapids made a mistake letting Smith go, or do you think Smith's impact on the Rapids was overrated by the team's surprising MLS Cup title run?
Share your thoughts below.
