Toronto FC: Greg Vanney prediction becomes a reality

Tim Leiweke once claimed Greg Vanney would be the first Toronto FC head coach in team history to get a second contract and on Friday, it came true.

In a one-on-one interview with the Toronto Sun‘s Kurt Larson last August, Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney opened up about a variety of matters. This included his future at the club.

Vanney admitted former MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke had once told him he would be the first coach in TFC history to receive a second contract. On Friday, this prediction became a reality.

As confirmed by the team themselves, Vanney has received a multi-year contract extension. In truth, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, with him taking the team through their most successful period in MLS history.

The 43-year old’s list of impressive accomplishments include having the best winning percentage in franchise history, while being the only one to reach 100 victories. He is also the only coach to reach the playoffs with the Reds, including last year’s ultimately heartbreaking trip to their first ever MLS Cup final.

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This is understandably quite a turnaround from when Vanney first took over from the fired Ryan Nelsen, towards the end of the 2014 campaign. The team went 2-6-2 under his reign to finish the season, and there were calls to remove the coach, which, objectively speaking, would have been unfair. (Of course, we realize this is often the case in the brutal world of professional sports.)

Fortunately, Toronto FC saw enough sense to give the South Boston, Virginia native another chance and have reaped the rewards ever since. The Reds now finally have the stability they’ve been looking for, since entering MLS in 2007.

While we’re on the subject of stability, Vanney wasn’t the only one receiving good news on Friday. The club also announced a multi-year extension for general manager Tim Bezbatchenko.

Like Vanney, Bezbatchenko has helped oversee the most successful period in franchise history. He first came to Toronto in September 2013, after three years as MLS Senior Director of Player Relations and Competition.

With his experience of dealing with MLS rosters and team salary budgets, the 35-year-old was expected to be integral in turning around the team. He has helped build the current roster, while also overseeing younger players from when they first join TFC’s academy.

TFC president Bill Manning resided over the decisions and was understandably delighted with the double extension. Speaking to the media, Manning said:

"“We are proud to announce the signing of both Tim and Greg to long-term extensions and ensure they will remain part of Toronto FC for the foreseeable future. Since joining Toronto FC I have preached the importance of stability to help build long-term success. Under the leadership of Tim and Greg we have witnessed a significant cultural change at Toronto FC where winning is an expectation. Together they have helped transform Toronto FC into a perennial contender for championships.”"

Overall, there is nothing to dislike about keeping Vanney and Bezbatchenko around for the long term. Now, it’s a case of continuing with their recent success, while also planning a route to achieve the ultimate goal of lifting the MLS Cup.

Next: Adaptability vital to TFC success

We’ll assume most TFC fans are happy with the respective contract extensions for Vanney and Bezbatchenko. However, if there’s anyone who doesn’t agree with these moves, we’d be intrigued to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments section,

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