Sporting KC's interim coach on turning the team around
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Sporting KC's new interim head coach, Kerry Zavagnin, is taking over at a time when the team needs a big positive shift.
Why it matters: After owners of Kansas City's pro men's soccer team parted ways with longtime head coach Peter Vermes at the end of March, the club finds itself at an unprecedented nexus of change.
The intrigue: The team hasn't had another head coach since it rebranded from the KC Wizards to Sporting KC in 2010.
State of play: Sporting KC's fans are desperate for another winning season after three losing seasons and a rocky start to 2025.
We talked to Zavagnin about his time playing for Kansas City back when they were the Wizards and his plans for ushering in the next winning team.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
What memories stick out from playing for the KC Wizards?
- "The one game that stands out for me is the conference finals against the Galaxy [in 2000]. ... As we passed by [their locker room] in the tunnels of Arrowhead, there was this plastic tarp around as if they were ready to celebrate with Champagne. ... We were already a determined group, and that just kind of hammered home, 'We're not going to lose this.'"
- "[Forward] Mo Johnston stuck his head in the boot — the shoe — of a player, headed the ball to our striker, Miklos Molnar, who went around the goalkeeper and scored the winning goal. And Mo was bleeding with the biggest smile that you'll ever see on his face."
After playing, you joined as an assistant coach in 2009. Why have you stayed here?
- "I found here was a coach and a group of people and an organization that believed in me, and when you have that, you value that."
- "... I had, also, the good fortune to sit right next to Peter Vermes and build the club."
What are some difficulties you face stepping into Vermes' shoes?
- "I wouldn't even classify it as 'difficulties.' It's opportunities. ... He and the owners, based on the previous work, have set the club up for the next iteration. And I don't look at that next version as difficult. I look at it as exciting."
What is that next iteration?
- "The short term is basically changing the mindset of a group that had been knocked down. ... To now pick the group up and instill belief and trust and hope is the first step — a commitment to being competitive again."
What does that look like in practice?
- "There were clear ailments in the group. ... We were giving up too many goals. We weren't creating enough chances, and that's really where the game is determined, right? In both boxes."
- "[It's] understanding the things that we can control and the things we can't control. ... Then we walk into every game with a certain level of energy, a certain level of emotion, a true intention and purpose."
What we're watching: Sporting owners initiated a global search for the next head coach that includes Zavagnin.
- Sporting may also look to hire a separate chief soccer officer, the Kansas City Star reported.
What's next: With a 3-3-8 record and 19 games left in the season, Sporting KC has a lot of work ahead.
- Their next home game is Saturday against New England.