IMAGE, MATT KREMKAU FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by ANTHONY J. MERCED

Jesse Marsch is going to be around for a long time.

The New York Red Bulls announced a multi-year contract extension for their head coach. Specifics of the deal were not disclosed.

“Jesse is an excellent person and the perfect coach for this club,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis, who hired Marsch ahead of the 2015 season. “I am excited that we agreed on a new contract. I enjoy working with Jesse every day and he continues to have an exceptional impact on the success of our club.”

Marsch, who is currently in his second year as head coach of the New York Red Bulls, has experienced quick success with the team, having captured the Suppporters’ Shield in 2015 and taking the team within one goal of extra-time in the Eastern Conference Final. Along the way, Marsch and Curtis helped to integrate the much-lauded Red Bull Academy system into the first team with players like Sean Davis and Alex Muyl being standouts during his tenure thus far.

The transition for Marsch wasn’t easy. A fan revolt took place after the release of popular head coach and former Red Bull player Mike Petke. Combined with the loss of star talent like Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill, the move seemed to indicate a steep downturn for the club. Marsch, who remained confident through the tempestuous start, preached patience and the team was rewarded with one of their best seasons to date.

This announcement comes as the Red Bulls are surging up the table after a rocky start to the season which saw them drop six of their first seven games. Currently, New York is on a four game winning streak in all competitions including a now infamous drubbing of NYCFC by a score of 7-0 at Yankee Stadium.

Previously, Jesse Marsch was the head coach of the Montreal Impact for their inaugural season in 2012 but was released after just one year on the job. His record with the team was 12-16-6 but several players including current Red Bull Felipe and Sal Zizzo blossomed under his leadership. Marsch was also an assistant coach under Bob Bradley’s U.S. Men’s National team from 2010 to 2011 where he worked with players like Sacha Kljestan.