Sporting Kansas City is beginning to address the team’s poor form this season, mutually agreeing to part ways with Technical Director Brian Bliss.

Bliss joined Sporting’s technical staff in 2016, becoming technical director and vice president of player personnel in 2019. His playing career concluded with the then-Wizards in 1998, becoming an assistant coach for the club from 2000 to 2006, including a brief stint as interim head coach. In a statement, co-principal owner Michael Illig called Bliss “a great ambassador for Sporting Kansas City” and thanked him for his commitment to the club.

While Bliss’ time with the club included winning the MLS Cup in 2000 and Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in 2004, the past two seasons have seen Sporting finish with losing records and the club currently second-to-last in the MLS Western Conference.