Nashville SC has made a significant decision by parting ways with Gary Smith, the only head coach in the franchise's history. The club announced the departure of Smith and assistant coach Steve Guppy on Thursday, marking the end of Smith's tenure with the team. This move makes Smith the first MLS coach to be fired this season.
Following Smith's exit, former Nashville player and current player development coach Rumba Munthali will step in as the interim head coach. Munthali will take charge starting with the upcoming game against Atlanta United, as Nashville looks to continue its season with a new leadership dynamic.
Smith's coaching legacy with Nashville SC includes a seven-season stint that saw the team achieve notable success. Under his guidance, Nashville made six consecutive playoff appearances in both the USL Championship and Major League Soccer. Additionally, the team reached the Leagues Cup final in 2023, showcasing Smith's ability to lead the team to significant milestones.
During his time with Nashville SC, Smith accumulated 52 MLS wins and secured three playoff victories. The team made it to the playoffs four times and advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals on two occasions. Smith's coaching acumen was further highlighted by his MLS Cup win in 2020 with the Colorado Rapids, demonstrating his ability to achieve success at the highest level of competition.
Despite the recent win over Toronto FC, where Nashville secured a 2-0 victory, Smith faced criticism from fans as he was booed during pre-game introductions. The decision to part ways with Smith reflects the club's commitment to seeking new directions and strategies to further enhance its performance in the MLS.
