Republic FC has a new coach for an ‘exciting time for football in Sacramento’
More than a month after parting ways with their coach, Republic FC has hired a new leader.
The team on Monday announced that Mark Briggs will guide Sacramento’s United Soccer League club on a two-year deal beginning with the 2020 season. Republic FC did not release terms of the contract.
Briggs, the USL Coach of the Year in 2017 with Real Monarchs SLC, has a 29-8-7 coaching record in the league. He replaces Simon Elliott, who led Republic FC to a 35-22-13 USL regular-season record over two years, including 14-14-6 this past season.
“Mark is an exceptional leader, a proven winner and is passionate about player development,” Republic FC general manager Todd Dunivant said in a statement released by the team. “He has excelled as our academy director and his forward-thinking approach is the right fit as we compete for silverware and develop talent for our club.”
The 37-year-old United Kingdom native joined Republic FC as an adviser for the club’s academy this year. He resigned from Real Monarchs SLC last year after facing domestic violence charges that were later dropped, according to the Deseret News.
Briggs rose to academy director in August. The team said a search for a new director is on as it continues to prepare and develop local talent. The academy for Republic FC, the first team with a full development academy before joining Major League Soccer, will enter its fifth season.
The city of Sacramento in October was awarded the 29th MLS franchise. With at least two years of USL play left, Republic FC will aim to win the championship for the first time since their inaugural season in 2014.
“It is truly an exciting time for football in Sacramento, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow with Republic FC in this new role,” Briggs said. “From my first days supporting the academy to this new role guiding the first team players, the passion and values that drive this club will help us find success and build a strong foundation for years to come.”
Briggs’ hiring comes during a busy offseason which saw the club bring back Cameron Iwasa, the franchise’s all-time leader in scoring and assists; and added scoring threat Kharlton Belmar, the 2015 USL Rookie of the Year who brings MLS experience; Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, a midfielder who played with 2018 MLS Cup winner Atlanta United FC; and several other re-signings.
This story was originally published December 16, 2019 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Republic FC has a new coach for an ‘exciting time for football in Sacramento’."