MLS legend exits after 15 seasons, leaving behind a championship legacy and fueling speculation about a future role with the U.S. Men’s National Team
The man who made a legacy has left Sporting Kansas City and it is with deep respect we cover this story!
After more than 15 seasons at the helm, Peter Vermes and Sporting Kansas City have mutually agreed to part ways, the club announced Monday. Kerry Zavagnin, longtime assistant and former player, has been appointed interim head coach effective immediately.
The decision brings to a close one of the most influential managerial tenures in Major League Soccer history … and the leagues’ longest-tenured head coach. 
But it also brings up the million dollar question of what is wrong at Sporting KC?
Sporting Kansas City’s winless start to the season has sparked growing questions across the its incredibly loyal fanbase—and perhaps the biggest one is whether the club’s struggles fall on the players, the front office, or longtime manager Peter Vermes.
Is the roster deep or dynamic enough for today’s MLS?
The MLS has changed rapidly— younger DPs, faster play, more money invested. Has SKC kept pace?
The reality is, it’s likely a combination of all three. While SKC has long been praised for its strong culture and smart roster-building, the MLS league has evolved rapidly. Other high profile teams like LAFC, Inter Miami, and even expansion sides like St. Louis City SC are investing heavily in younger, dynamic talent—something Kansas City has been slower to embrace. Fan Favorites like pro players Johnny Russell and Tim Melia have been the face of seasons past but are they now on the back end of their careers?
Stability is valuable, as well as past accomplishments, but so is adaptability.
As the club sits at the bottom of the table, it’s fair to ask whether a new voice is needed—or whether Vermes, a club legend, has left when his leadership is really needed?
A Historic Chapter Ends
Vermes, 57, joined Sporting Kansas City in 2006 as technical director and became head coach in 2009. Over the next decade and a half, he transformed the club into one of the league’s most respected organizations, both on and off the field.
READ: MLS on Peter Vermes Departure
Under his leadership, Sporting KC captured the 2013 MLS Cup and lifted three U.S. Open Cup titles (2012, 2015, 2017). The team made 11 playoff appearances, including eight straight from 2011 to 2018 — a stretch that highlighted Sporting’s consistent presence among MLS’s elite.
According to the MLS, Vermes’ accomplishments include:
- One MLS Cup trophy (2013)
- Three US Open Cup trophies (2012, 2015, 2017)
- Four first-place finishes in the regular-season conference standings
- Seven seasons at 1.5 ppg or higher (the club had three total before he took over)
- 5,718 days as manager of Sporting KC
- 6,722 days as technical director of Sporting KC
Vermes also helped oversee the club’s rebranding from the Kansas City Wizards to Sporting Kansas City and played a pivotal role in the development of its state-of-the-art facilities, including Children’s Mercy Park and Pinnacle, the team’s cutting-edge training complex.
“I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership, for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades,” Vermes said in a club statement. “We built something special here, and I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
— SportingKC.com
Why Now?
The move comes amid Sporting Kansas City’s troubling run of form — a 13-match winless streak dating back to 2024, and a winless start to the current season (0-5-1). Though Vermes had weathered rough patches before, this season’s struggles appear to have prompted a mutual decision to reset.
“This was not an easy decision for either side,” said Sporting CEO Jake Reid. “Peter’s legacy here is unmatched, but we all agreed it was time for a new direction.”
Was Sporting KC’s System Stale?
Vermes was know for his high-press, possession-based model which proved successful for years. But when it doesn’t click, SKC looks predictable and exposed. When results don’t come year after year, it’s fair to ask if a fresh voice is needed—even for a club legend like Peter Vermes.
Who is Kerry Zavagnin?
Stepping in as interim head coach is Kerry Zavagnin, who has been on the Sporting KC coaching staff since 2009 and played for the club from 2000 to 2008. A no-nonsense defensive midfielder in his playing days, Zavagnin made over 200 appearances for Kansas City and earned 21 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
As Vermes’ right hand for over a decade, Zavagnin is intimately familiar with the club’s culture and tactical identity. While no long-term decision has been announced, Zavagnin will guide the team through its current campaign as the front office evaluates future options.
What’s Next for Vermes?
Vermes departs Sporting KC as one of the winningest coaches in MLS history, with his name often mentioned in connection to the U.S. Men’s National Team coaching role over the years.
While no official reports have confirmed current discussions with U.S. Soccer, his availability will no doubt reignite speculation — particularly with the 2026 World Cup on home soil rapidly approaching.
Known for his tactical discipline, high standards, and player development success, Vermes has long been considered a viable candidate for the national team, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see his name re-enter the conversation.
For now, Vermes leaves behind a lasting legacy — not just in Kansas City, but in American soccer as a whole.
