Postseason Roundup, Day 1: Arnaud stays, other coaches leave, two players signal exits
Davy Arnaud will be staying on as an Austin FC assistant coach following his stint as interim head coach. Meanwhile, two players have gone to Instagram to tell fans they're leaving the club.
Note: Given that we expect multiple news stories regarding Austin FC changes for at least a few days, we're establishing this digest format to keep you apprised (though you may already know some, most, or all of what's here) and to put it in one place for posterity (
We got news from Austin FC on Monday; it just wasn't quite the news we expected.
With player decisions yet to be revealed — but with two players announcing their departure via Instagram — Austin FC opted for technical staff news on Monday in what might not ultimately register as a surprise.
Interim head coach Davy Arnaud will return to his role as assistant coach, a role he's had since the inaugural 2021 season when Josh Wolff brought him into the fold — and something that club officials have hinted was in play as the 2026 season was winding down.
Other assistant coaches — including Terry Boss, a midseason returner who had the distinction of filling in as an interim head coach for an interim head coach for one match — will be making their exit as incoming head coach Jim Curtin prepares to take over, presumably with his own assistant coach staff in mind.
Boss drew in his only match in charge this year, meaning that all three 2026 head coaches for Austin FC each averaged one point per match.
Assistant coach Beto González, field analyst coach Albert Ballesteros, and director of high performance Miguel Villagrasa will also be out the door once their contracts expire, per the release. While we're not privy to exact contract details, it's likely the end of the calendar year if not directly upon season's end.
Hines-Ike and Burton say goodbye
Late on Sunday, one of the OG Austin Academy players, Micah Burton, announced his departure from the club on the 'Gram, making the following statement:
It’s been a long journey, filled with more downs than ups, making this a bittersweet ending. Always grateful for the opportunity to wear this jersey. Thank you to all the fans for the support along the way.
Then, on Monday evening, Brendan Hines-Ike – who joined the team as a free agent signing in February 2024[[1]] — announced his departure with a heartfelt message and a lovely family photo:
Austin, a big thank you and goodbye💚
We arrived as a family of 3 and we’re leaving as a family of 4. This city gave us so much: new memories, lifelong friends, and the place where our family grew.
I’m proud to have worn this badge and represented this club alongside a great group of players I deeply cared for over the last three years.
We’ll miss you.
-The Hines-Ikes
Based on Ilie Sánchez's address to media following Saturday's match and the gravity and finality that held, it appears that chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad will look to replace at least three outgoing Verde players in the next window.
One of those players may already be lined up. Per Tom Bogert of The Athletic and Soccerwise, 22-year-old, 6'3" Honduran international defender Giancarlo Sacaza, currently with FC Motagua, is finalizing a deal to move to Austin. Sacaza has five caps with Los Catrachos, all with possible future teammate Joseph Rosales at left back.
Ladies and gentlemen, your first highlight video of the 2026-27 offseason!
According to Transfermarkt, his market value is €400,000, which puts this signing very in line with the transfers El-Ahmad orchestrated while at Minnesota United FC. As we're fond of saying, if Bogert is reporting it, it's probably definitely happening.
[[1]]: He came in so late in the preseason transfer window, and Josh Wolff commented on that so much, that we "nicknamed" him "Brendan Hines-Ike Who Came In Late To Camp," or BHIWCILTC for short.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts, and join us on Instagram to get updates on all our stories and podcast releases.
Austin FC lost its season finale on Saturday, and while one player is already looking to a future with Jim Curtin, one gave a statement that had a certain air of finality to it.
Austin FC came into its final match of the 2026 season hoping for a home win. Instead, the Timbers got their winning goal, punching their playoff ticket, in the match's third minute.
Austin FC has a sixth straight Decision Day that doesn't impact its playoff chances. But its opponent from the Pacific Northwest has many scenarios to get into the postseason.
Brad Stuver was a surprising opening day starter in 2021, en route to becoming a six-year fixture in goal. For the last five years, he's been measurably one of MLS' best.
Note: Given that we expect multiple news stories regarding Austin FC changes for at least a few days, we're establishing this digest format to keep you apprised (though you may already know some, most, or all of what's here) and to put it in one place for posterity (
We got news from Austin FC on Monday; it just wasn't quite the news we expected.
With player decisions yet to be revealed — but with two players announcing their departure via Instagram — Austin FC opted for technical staff news on Monday in what might not ultimately register as a surprise.
Interim head coach Davy Arnaud will return to his role as assistant coach, a role he's had since the inaugural 2021 season when Josh Wolff brought him into the fold — and something that club officials have hinted was in play as the 2026 season was winding down.
Other assistant coaches — including Terry Boss, a midseason returner who had the distinction of filling in as an interim head coach for an interim head coach for one match — will be making their exit as incoming head coach Jim Curtin prepares to take over, presumably with his own assistant coach staff in mind.
Boss drew in his only match in charge this year, meaning that all three 2026 head coaches for Austin FC each averaged one point per match.
Assistant coach Beto González, field analyst coach Albert Ballesteros, and director of high performance Miguel Villagrasa will also be out the door once their contracts expire, per the release. While we're not privy to exact contract details, it's likely the end of the calendar year if not directly upon season's end.
Hines-Ike and Burton say goodbye
Late on Sunday, one of the OG Austin Academy players, Micah Burton, announced his departure from the club on the 'Gram, making the following statement:
Then, on Monday evening, Brendan Hines-Ike – who joined the team as a free agent signing in February 2024[[1]] — announced his departure with a heartfelt message and a lovely family photo:
Austin, a big thank you and goodbye💚
We arrived as a family of 3 and we’re leaving as a family of 4. This city gave us so much: new memories, lifelong friends, and the place where our family grew.
I’m proud to have worn this badge and represented this club alongside a great group of players I deeply cared for over the last three years.
We’ll miss you.
-The Hines-Ikes
Based on Ilie Sánchez's address to media following Saturday's match and the gravity and finality that held, it appears that chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad will look to replace at least three outgoing Verde players in the next window.
One of those players may already be lined up. Per Tom Bogert of The Athletic and Soccerwise, 22-year-old, 6'3" Honduran international defender Giancarlo Sacaza, currently with FC Motagua, is finalizing a deal to move to Austin. Sacaza has five caps with Los Catrachos, all with possible future teammate Joseph Rosales at left back.
Ladies and gentlemen, your first highlight video of the 2026-27 offseason!
According to Transfermarkt, his market value is €400,000, which puts this signing very in line with the transfers El-Ahmad orchestrated while at Minnesota United FC. As we're fond of saying, if Bogert is reporting it, it's probably definitely happening.
[[1]]: He came in so late in the preseason transfer window, and Josh Wolff commented on that so much, that we "nicknamed" him "Brendan Hines-Ike Who Came In Late To Camp," or BHIWCILTC for short.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts, and join us on Instagram to get updates on all our stories and podcast releases.
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