After going six games with just a draw to their name this season, Sporting Kansas City announced Monday, March 31 the departure of longtime head coach Peter Vermes.

Vermes had been Major League Soccer’s longest-tenured head coach, taking the reins of the franchise in 2009 when it was still known as the Wizards. His time as manager started with a rapid turnaround of the team’s fortunes, coinciding with the rebranding of Sporting Kansas City and move to Children’s Mercy Park in 2011. Sporting claimed the U.S. Open Cup title in 2012, 2015 and 2017, most recently appeared in the 2024 final. League-wise, Sporting hoisted the 2013 MLS Cup, and made 11 playoff appearances.

However, concerns about the franchise’s trajectory rose as Sporting finished second-from-last in the Western Conference last season, and after six games is sitting at the bottom of the MLS with one point, earned after scoring three goals to pull off a draw with Minnesota United. Calls for Vermes’ departure intensified after Saturday’s loss to FC Dallas, when Sporting’s largest supporters groups issued a public call for Vermes to go.

Sporting says Vermes’ departure is by mutual agreement, bringing to a close nearly a quarter-century affiliation. Vermes played three seasons in Kansas City, including the team’s first MLS Cup title in 2000. Before becoming manager, he served as the team’s technical director from 2006 until 2009. In total, Vermes coached 609 games for Sporting Kansas City, including 98 playoff and tournament matches.

Kerry Zavagnin will take over as interim manager ahead of Sporting’s home game Saturday evening against rivals St Louis City SC.