Andoni Iraola has been heavily linked as a possible replacement for Jesse Marsch at Leeds United and his love of the NFL might just offer up further synergy between the two parties.
The Athletic stated on Monday that Iraola has been eyed up by Leeds as a possible replacement for Marsch, who was sacked following a poor run of results that saw the Whites go winless in the Premier League since November.
A backroom staff trio of Michael Skubala, Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas will be in the dugout for Wednesday's clash with Manchester United, but Leeds will want a long-term replacement sorted as soon as possible.
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Iraola has played alongside Jack Harrison at New York City and was coached by Marcelo Bielsa during his time at Athletic Bilbao. His connections with Leeds do not stop there however, as the 40-year-old has also revealed his love for the NFL.
The investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers - 49ers Enterprises - are currently a minority shareholder at Elland Road. And Iraola has not hidden the fact that he holds a great passion for the sport, something that will no doubt please those on the board.
Speaking about his time in the MLS with New York, he wrote in the Coaches' Voice: "Outside of football, my interest in coaching was also there when I became more aware of the NFL, which I have been a follower of ever since. I see American football as a sort of extension of the set-pieces we have in our game. The blocking, the clearances, the overloads.
"The players are also very specialised in their roles, with a coach for each position. Soccer is not quite there yet, but it is progressing by the day. Surely, soon, we will get to see a coach for each position, just like in the NFL."
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