Paul Dalglish Replaces Nelson Vargas as Miami FC Head Coach

In a stunning tweet late last night from Soc Takes’ Nipun Chopra, it was reported that Miami FC General Manager Paul Dalglish would be stepping back into the coaching role. Paul Dalglish left the technical area for the front office at the conclusion of the 2019 season. As of this time, it is unclear if Nelson Vargas remains with the club in his position as director of the youth academy.

Miami released a statement this morning regarding Dalglish resuming his roles as the head coach of the first team. “We want to thank Nelson for leading the club during these recent times. The first half of our last game against Tampa Bay [Rowdies] showcased what we want this team to be and we plan on building on the foundations laid by Nelson in 2020. We need to continue to focus on what has made this club so successful in these recent years.” 

The removal of Vargas is rather harsh when given the circumstances that Miami FC have had to face since March. Miami was a late addition to the USL taking the place of the now shuttered Ottawa Fury. Miami’s roster construction was geared toward the 2020 NISA season and quickly changed pace after the USL announcement. Vargas joined Magic City Soccer on the podcast and made no excuses but discussed the difficulty of practicing during the four-month break because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to their first match back against Atlanta United 2, Vargas stated that they only had one full team training prior to that match. 

Paul Dalglish will have to steer the ship back in the right direction rather quickly with a brutal schedule up ahead. Miami returns to action on Sunday against the Rowdies in Tampa. That match will be followed by another contest against Atlanta on Wednesday and a clash with Charlotte on Sunday the 23rd.