SAN JOSE - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have exercised the option on head coach Dominic Kinnear and assistant coach John Doyle's contracts, ensuring that Kinnear and Doyle will return to lead the Quakes in 2005.
After three seasons as an assistant coach in San Jose in which he helped the club to two MLS titles, Kinnear completed his first season as a head coach in 2004, leading the Quakes to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. The Fremont, Ca. product will once again be assisted by long-time Bay Area native Doyle, who returns to the club following his first season as an assistant coach in the league.
"Dominic and John did a solid job this past season," said Lalas. "I think I can appreciate the learning curve associated with the first year on a job. I'm excited to have Dominic Kinnear and John Doyle guide this team into 2005 and use the experience of this past season to achieve the results that our fans expect and deserve." Kinnear established the Quakes as one of the most exciting and dangerous teams in MLS despite a constantly changing lineup, which forced the Quakes to miss 110 man-games due to injuries, illness and national team call-ups. "I am happy to be back with the team for another season," said Kinnear. "We have a strong foundation here and we are looking to improve upon this season next year. We have built a winning tradition here and we want to uphold that tradition next season."
Before beginning his coaching career in 2001, Kinnear enjoyed an illustrious playing career that included five strong years in MLS. Kinnear played for the Colorado Rapids, San Jose Clash and Tampa Bay Mutiny before completing his 117-game career, in which he scored six goals and recorded 26 assists. Kinnear served as the Mutiny's captain in 1999, helping them to the playoffs. He also appeared 56 times for the United States National Team, scoring nine goals and registering two assists. Kinnear led the team in scoring with seven goals and one assist in 1993 and was captain of the national team for its match against his native Scotland on May 17, 1992.
Doyle, the first player in the history of the San Jose MLS team, will be back again aiding Kinnear on the sidelines. Doyle's stellar playing career includes five strong seasons for the San Jose Clash/Earthquakes from 1996-2000, as he made two MLS All-Star Teams (1996, 1997) and was the 1996 MLS Defender of the Year and a member of the 1996 MLS Best XI team. The former University of San Francisco All-American enjoyed one of the most decorated playing careers in U.S. soccer history. Doyle played in 53 games for the U.S. National Team, including the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
