Sigi Schmid out as Sounders FC coach

Sigi Schmid, the winningest Coach in Major League Soccer history and only manager to lead the Seattle Sounders FC, is leaving after his eighth season with the club.

"Sigi Schmid has been an invaluable member of Sounders FC since the club's MLS launch, leading our organization to numerous trophies and a consistent winning culture for seven seasons," Sounders FC owner Adrian Hanauer said in a statement. "Sigi departs the club with our utmost respect and gratitude for his years of service. Ultimately the club and Sigi agreed that a change was needed at this time, but Sigi's legacy will always be a part of our history. He has my sincere appreciation for all that he committed to our team and community."

Schmid came to Seattle from Columbus Crew SC in 2008 after an MLS Cup title with Central Ohio side. Schmid previously won the 2002 MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy. Overall, his teams captured 11 major titles and Schmid was a two-time MLS Coach of the Year.

He also has been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Schmid's final MLS regular-season record with Sounders FC is 115-79-56.

"I want to thank Seattle Sounders FC for the opportunity to lead this club over the past eight years, with particular gratitude to Adrian Hanauer, Joe Roth and the rest of the club's ownership group,” Schmid said in a statement. “I'd also like to thank my coaches and technical staff for the support they've given me, and most importantly I want to thank my players for their tremendous effort throughout the years.”

Cox Media Group