The club announced that the “San José Earthquakes” team relieved coach Luchi González.
San José is in last place in the MLS with only 11 points after 19 games. They have conceded a league-worst 51 goals, including 17 in their last four games.
González joined the Quakes before the 2023 season and led the team to the playoffs in his first year. The Quakes aren’t expected to struggle with a strong defense this season.
“We want to thank Lucci for his hard work, dedication to the club and his professionalism,” said general manager Chris Leitch.
“Lucci and his team have worked incredibly hard over the last year and a half, but this year we have not lived up to expectations as a club. “We felt we had to make changes and the best thing for the club was to move in a different direction.”
“I want to thank our owners, management and fans for the opportunity and support they gave me during my time managing the Earthquakes,” Gonzalez said.
“I am very grateful to all the staff and players who have worked hard every day to improve our situation and I wish them all the best for the future. “I plan to spend some time with my family and prepare for the next step in my journey.”
Assistant coach Ian Russell has been named interim head coach, while assistant coaches Steve Ralston, Luciano Fusco and Adin Brown will remain in their current positions.
Russell, 48, has been an assistant coach in San Jose for a total of 11 seasons, including a two-game stint as interim head coach in 2014.
“Ian is a very experienced coach who knows our club better than anyone,” Leitch said.
“He’s had a great career in four years as Reno’s head coach, winning a lot of games and making the playoffs every season. We’re confident he’ll be ready to lead us, starting with Saturday’s game against Los Angeles at Stanford Stadium.
The Quakes have twice put forward transfer value for a new club under Gonzalez, first signing Carlos Gruezo last year and Hernan Lopez this year.
González began his career as a senior coach in charge of FC Dallas and was an assistant coach to United States national team coach Gregg Berhalter between Dallas and San Jose.
