Houston Dynamo part ways with head coach Owen Coyle

The Houston Dynamo have agreed to part ways with head coach Owen Coyle, the club announced Wednesday, with the Scottish manager's wish to be closer to his family in the United Kingdom cited as the reason for his departure.

"I asked (Dynamo president) Chris (Canetti) if I could speak with him today and I explained to him the challenge of being away from my family and how we all want the best for Houston Dynamo," Coyle said in a statement. "I want to wish all members of the staff, from owner Gabriel Brener to president Chris Canetti to general manager Matt Jordan, everyone has been such a source of support, along with the players and the technical staff.

"I'd like to thank the Dynamo supporters, who have been outstanding. We have a brilliant club, and I have no doubt success is just around the corner."

The Dynamo sit in last place in the Western Conference, with a 3-2-7 record. Coyle joined the club in 2014, and heads back home with a 16-11-20 record in MLS.

Coyle was linked to the managerial opening with Celtic of the Scottish Premiership, but Brendan Rodgers, who managed Liverpool for three years, got the job.

"I'd like to thank Owen for all of his contributions during his time with the Houston Dynamo," general manager Jordan said. "He is a true professional, a passionate coach, and a good man. We wish him all the best moving forward."