Gansler Leaving Toronto FC

Toronto FC assistant coach Bob Gansler has decided to leave the team, while Mo Johnston insists that the departure does not indicate that he will be taking a front-office position. His decision was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family.

Gansler, 66, previously was the head coach of the Kansas City Wizards from 1999-2006, leading them to their only MLS Cup victory (2000) and only U.S. Open Cup title (2004). Before that, he served as head coach to the United States national team from 1989-1991, including the 1990 World Cup, the Americans' first appearance in the tournament since 1950.

The search now begins for a coach to replace Gansler, with the team focusing on someone who "will be highly regarded in soccer, something like Bob - only with a different background," said Johnston.

There had been speculation that MoJo would take a front office position when a new coach is named, as he currently is filling the roles of manager and head coach. "Eventually, who knows? That may happen, it may not. We're looking at making this whole thing better."

Two names floating around for the Toronto job are current New England Revolution head coach Steve Nicol and assistant coach Paul Mariner, but Johnston went out of his way to shoot down those rumors recently, saying he has talked to "numerous people," but some of the speculation has been "silly."