Source: Jack Wilshere was not a Finalist for the Colorado Rapids Head Coach. Tick Tock!

COMMERCE CITY – The Colorado Rapids parted ways with Head Coach Robin Fraser on September 5. Seventy-one days later, they still have not appointed a permanent replacement. So what is taking so long?

Two weeks ago, it appeared the Rapids were in the final rounds of interviews and about to make a decision. The Athletic reported that they were down to four finalists, two of whom were Chris Armas and Chris Little. Jeff Carlisle of ESPN followed up by reporting that Pa-Modou Kah was also a finalist. Tom Bogert of The Athletic said a decision was imminent. For all the details on this reporting and our thoughts, click here.

Sources familiar with the situation have told Burgundy Wave that Wilshere was not a finalist. One source stated that he removed himself from contention after feeling the job was not the right fit. Another said there was a gap between Wilshere’s hopes and what the club was likely to offer. The 31-year-old did interview but was a late candidate to enter the process. His initial interview impressed the Rapids with his views on tactics and youth development.

Compensation, the length of the contract, and say in personnel could have been factors.

Sources had previously told Burgundy Wave the club’s goal was to have the coaching hire finalized and announced the week of November 6 (last week). There is a preferred candidate among the four finalists. The delay in the process could be due to terms being negotiated and that candidate interviewing for other opportunities.

The club could choose to wait for that to play out and simultaneously reach out to other candidates. The MLS Cup Playoffs are ongoing. They could interview others as their seasons end, especially those who end up leaving their club, Troy Lesesne for example. But if they can get on the same page, an announcement could come soon.

Club President Pádraig Smith did not comment back in September when asked how much of Fraser’s contract (through 2025) was guaranteed. Burgundy Wave has heard there was a buyout for Pablo Mastroeni when he was dismissed in 2017. He was paid a lump sum upon being fired even though he had multiple years left on his contract, like Fraser.

This past February, the entire backroom staff got contract extensions through 2025. If they have buyouts, financial constraints could inhibit the new manager from selecting their own coaching staff, making the job less attractive. Perhaps a candidate is speaking with the backroom staff to see if they can make it work.

Bogert speculated on Extratime earlier this week that Armas could be the current favorite. Little is the most Fraser-like given his success in the Sounders organization and familiarity with Rapids as an internal candidate. Kah has a diverse and impressive background for a guy with no MLS head coaching experience. Burgundy Wave believes the fourth finalist is Efraín Juárez.

In this editor’s opinion, none of these candidates is as qualified as Fraser when he was dismissed two months ago. Little is the closest. That says something about the state of the club. One candidate potentially being a favorite then removing themselves from being a finalist would say something. That coach then staying with the Arsenal U18s regardless of bus driver shenanigans would also say something.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken.

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