What happened: Sporting Kansas City terminated the contract of head coach Raphael Wicky after one season at the helm. Assistant coaches Edu Rubio and Ash Wallace will also not return for the 2027 campaign.

Why it matters: Sporting KC enters the offseason looking to reset after finishing bottom of the Western Conference in 2026. The incoming head coach will inherit significant roster flexibility, including two open Designated Player spots alongside Andre Luiz and a reconfigured back line.

What to watch: Kansas City begins its search for a new head coach while preparing to fill its two open Designated Player slots ahead of the 2027 season.