The Colorado Rapids Announce Chris Armas as Head Coach for 2024 MLS Season
The Colorado Rapids have filled their head coach vacancy, announcing on Friday that Chris Armas will be taking charge for the 2024 MLS season.
Armas brings a wealth of MLS managerial experience to the Western Conference club, having previously led the New York Red Bulls (2018-20) and Toronto FC (2021). Most recently, he served as an assistant coach for Manchester United (2021-22) and Leeds United (2023) in the English Premier League.
The opening at Colorado arose when the club parted ways with Robin Fraser in early September.
“We’re delighted to begin a new chapter at the Colorado Rapids with Chris as our head coach,” said Rapids president Pádraig Smith in a release. ”Chris brings a wealth of experience across the highest levels of the game, both as a player and as a coach.
“He is a natural leader who demands the highest standards from his players and understands what it takes to build a positive and winning culture. We believe he has the personal qualities, experience, and shared vision to help us achieve the success we seek.”
“The club, the fanbase—they’re hungry for something more right now, and I felt like it’s a perfect fit if I can be the one to lead the charge.”
– Chris Armas
Upon taking over RBNY after Jesse Marsch’s departure to German club RB Leipzig, Armas won the 2018 MLS Supporters’ Shield. However, his tenure at Toronto FC was less successful, lasting just 15 matches across all competitions.
Before becoming a coach, Armas had a distinguished playing career that included 12 MLS seasons with the LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire FC. As a six-time MLS All-Star and former defensive midfielder for the US national team, he was also named to the MLS Best XI five times.
“I’m incredibly proud and excited to take on the role as the head coach of the Colorado Rapids,” said Chris Armas. ”This is a club that has had recent success, and KSE is an organization with a strong track record of winning championships. Throughout the process, I was impressed by the organization’s desire to return to the playoffs and compete for trophies.
“I’m as hungry as ever to deliver this success to our fans and our club. I’ve always been eager to implement my style of play at a club that plays and trains at altitude. This advantage, along with high energy, attacking, and entertaining football, can help our team and fans regain home-field dominance. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the team and work with the entire staff to get the club back into the playoffs and ultimately bring another MLS Cup to Colorado.”
Colorado, the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed in 2021 after a record-breaking campaign, has missed the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in back-to-back years. They finished last in the West in 2023, tallying 27 points (5W-17L-12D).
Roster-wise, the Rapids have already announced the departure of club staples Jack Price and Diego Rubio. More changes are likely before the December 1 deadline to exercise contract options.