Toronto FC hire Robin Fraser as head coach
Toronto FC are bringing Robin Fraser back to the club as head coach.
Fraser, who helped TFC win the 2017 MLS Cup as an assistant coach, signed a deal Friday through the 2027 season.
"As a person, he exemplifies our club values to the highest degree, and as a manager, we are confident in his ability to achieve sporting success," general manager Jason Hernandez said in a statement. "Robin's commitment to winning has delivered trophies at Eastern and Western Conferences and we are looking forward to the work ahead to build TFC into the annual contender our ownership and supporters deserve."
Toronto also interviewed former Portland Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese, according to GiveMeSport insider Tom Bogert. Savarese was fired by the Timbers in August 2023 after six years at the helm.
Fraser becomes Toronto's fifth permanent head coach in five seasons. Chris Armas, Bob Bradley, Javier Perez, and John Herdman have all passed through the club since Greg Vanney ended his seven-year tenure in December 2020. Herdman announced his resignation last November amid a spying scandal dating back to his time as head coach of Canada's men's and women's teams.
Fraser served as Vanney's assistant from 2015-19 and eventually left to become head coach of the Colorado Rapids. The 58-year-old led them to first place in the Western Conference in 2021 but couldn't get them to the playoffs the following campaign and departed in September 2023 with the team in last place.
"I'm incredibly delighted to be back in Toronto and back with TFC. This is a city and a club that are very near and dear to my heart," Fraser said. "The TFC fans are among the best in the league, and I'm so thankful to be a part of this group as we look forward to giving our fans something to be excited about. From top to bottom, this is a first-class organization, and I'm so looking forward to doing all that I can to help us compete for championships, year in and year out."
Fraser moved into coaching in 2007 after wrapping up his 10-year MLS career as a defender for the LA Galaxy, Rapids, and Columbus Crew. He also made 27 appearances for the United States men's national team.
Toronto FC are much worse off than they were when Fraser was last at the club. They've failed to make the playoffs for fourth consecutive seasons and finished 11th in the Eastern Conference with an 11-4-19 record.