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New England Revolution name Jay Heaps new head coach
The long-time servant of the team is now its new head coach.
Nov 15, 2011 10:47:00 AM
Jamie Squire
The New England Revolution have announced that former defender Jay Heaps has been named the club's new head coach following the departure of Steve Nicol following the 2011 season.
"For more than a decade, Jay was as passionate, tough and tireless as any player who’s ever worn the Revolution jersey," Revolution Investor/Operator Jonathan Kraft said. "During his Revs career, no one was more determined to win or revered for his work ethic and leadership, both on and off the field. We are excited that Jay will bring these characteristics, along with a keen intellect, to his new position as our head coach.
"He understands the team’s heritage and already has a connection with many of our players and fans. During the interview process, Jay impressed Robert and me with his knowledge of how to build a roster and how teams can gain and maintain a competitive advantage. We are convinced that he will work well with General Manager Mike Burns and President Brian Bilello to rebuild the Revolution into a championship-contending team."
Heaps, 35, becomes the Revolution's sixth ever head coach. An 11-year MLS veteran with the Miami Fusion (1999-2001) and Revolution (2001-2009), Heaps is excited to get started with this new opportunity.
"I am thrilled to accept this position," Heaps said. "Throughout my playing career and with my involvement with the team after I retired, I’ve made no secret about my commitment to the Revolution, and I’m honored to be entrusted with this responsibility as head coach. I’d like to thank the Kraft family, Brian Bilello and Mike Burns for believing in me, and in the vision I have for the club as we move ahead. We have a strong base to build on, but we also have a lot of work to do as we look ahead to 2012."
He'll take over a Revolution side that underwhelmed in 2011, finishing tied for last place in the entire league with the Vancouver Whitecaps. They also allowed the second-most goals in MLS, something the former defender will look to remedy.
“Every day, Jay set a positive example when he was one of our players: he gave everything he had on the field, no matter if it was a game or a training session, and then was a leader in the locker room and in the community,” Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said. “We believe Jay is the right person to lead us as our head coach and we’re very excited to get him in and involved. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for 2012.”
A native of Nashua, New Hampshire, Heaps attended Duke University and was drafted second overall in the 1999 MLS SuperDraft by the Fusion. He has also been capped four times by the U.S. national team.
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"For more than a decade, Jay was as passionate, tough and tireless as any player who’s ever worn the Revolution jersey," Revolution Investor/Operator Jonathan Kraft said. "During his Revs career, no one was more determined to win or revered for his work ethic and leadership, both on and off the field. We are excited that Jay will bring these characteristics, along with a keen intellect, to his new position as our head coach.
"He understands the team’s heritage and already has a connection with many of our players and fans. During the interview process, Jay impressed Robert and me with his knowledge of how to build a roster and how teams can gain and maintain a competitive advantage. We are convinced that he will work well with General Manager Mike Burns and President Brian Bilello to rebuild the Revolution into a championship-contending team."
Heaps, 35, becomes the Revolution's sixth ever head coach. An 11-year MLS veteran with the Miami Fusion (1999-2001) and Revolution (2001-2009), Heaps is excited to get started with this new opportunity.
"I am thrilled to accept this position," Heaps said. "Throughout my playing career and with my involvement with the team after I retired, I’ve made no secret about my commitment to the Revolution, and I’m honored to be entrusted with this responsibility as head coach. I’d like to thank the Kraft family, Brian Bilello and Mike Burns for believing in me, and in the vision I have for the club as we move ahead. We have a strong base to build on, but we also have a lot of work to do as we look ahead to 2012."
He'll take over a Revolution side that underwhelmed in 2011, finishing tied for last place in the entire league with the Vancouver Whitecaps. They also allowed the second-most goals in MLS, something the former defender will look to remedy.
“Every day, Jay set a positive example when he was one of our players: he gave everything he had on the field, no matter if it was a game or a training session, and then was a leader in the locker room and in the community,” Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said. “We believe Jay is the right person to lead us as our head coach and we’re very excited to get him in and involved. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for 2012.”
A native of Nashua, New Hampshire, Heaps attended Duke University and was drafted second overall in the 1999 MLS SuperDraft by the Fusion. He has also been capped four times by the U.S. national team.
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