Tom Soehn takes over as interim Revolution head coach

The Revolution have a new head coach—at least for now.

Early Tuesday morning, the team confirmed reports that it parted ways with Jay Heaps during his sixth season as head coach. Effective immediately, Revolution assistant Tom Soehn will take over as the club’s interim boss.

Soehn joined the Revolution coaching staff prior to the 2014 season after a multi-decade career as a player and coach.

The Western Illinois standout began playing in 1988—eight years before the formation of MLS—during stints in multiple leagues, including in the Canadian Soccer League and American Professional Soccer League. The Dallas Burn selected Soehn in the 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft; he went on to play five years in the league, winning MLS Cup in 1998 and the U.S. Open Cup in 1998 and 2000. He won all three championships as a member of D.C. United.

After playing his final MLS match in 2000, Soehn wasted no time kickstarting his coachig career, assisting Bob Bradley with the Fire and later Peter Nowak with D.C. United. In 2006, Soehn took over for Nowak and led D.C. to a Supporter’s Shield win.

Soehn made the move to the front office in 2010, accepting a job as the Director of Soccer Operations with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. One year later, the ‘Caps fired head coach Teitur Thordarson, and Soehn hit the sideline again as Vancouver’s interim gaffer. The club ultimately hired Martin Rennie as its permanent head coach and Soehn returned to the Director position.

From 2014 until Monday night, Soehn served as Jay Heaps’ right hand man. But starting Tuesday, the Chicago native will take on a new (yet familiar) role—one he’ll keep until the Revolution hires its next franchise leader.

Soehn will coach his first match on Saturday against Toronto FC.