Revolution fire General Manager Michael Burns

The New England Revolution have fired long-time General Manager Michael Burns.

Burns was a Revolution player during Major League Soccer’s inaugural season in 1996. The defender left his hometown team in 2000 in a trade that sent him to the San Jose Earthquakes. In 2001 and 2002, he played for the Kansas City Wizards before retiring.

In 2005, Burns returned to the Revolution to serve as the team’s Director of Soccer. He became the General Manager in 2011.

“As an original Revolution player and throughout his time with the club’s front office, Michael has always been a terrific ambassador for the club,” said Revolution President Brian Bilello. “His impact on the team and organization has been felt in many ways and we are grateful for his commitment and service to the New England Revolution.”

The news comes just four days after the Revs fired Brad Friedel as their head coach. Burns was part of the interview committee that hired Friedel. The two were former roommates, though Burns said that Friedel got the job on his own merits.

When Friedel was fired the Revs appointed assistant coach Mike Lapper as the interim head coach. The Revs haven’t yet named their next General Manager, though news is expected to come soon.

“In light of recent results and the team’s on-field direction over the last few seasons, we felt it was time to take the soccer side of the organization in a different direction,” Bilello said. “We expect to make an announcement related to leadership of the soccer organization in the coming days.”