Patrick Brennan

pbrennan@enquirer.com

Futbol Club Cincinnati assistant coach Ryan Martin won't return to the club for the 2017 season.

FC Cincinnati announced Friday the shakeup in its technical staff, saying Martin was leaving to pursue other opportunities. Martin was assistant to head coach John Harkes during the team's inaugural season and helped see Cincinnati to the third-best regular season record in the United Soccer League (16-6-8).

FC Cincinnati President and General Manager Jeff Berding told The Enquirer he plans to fill Martin's position from outside the organization and that a search is already underway.

“After speaking with Ryan, he has chosen to explore other opportunities in soccer,” Berding said in the news release. “We thank Ryan for the work he did in helping our club achieve success in our inaugural year and wish him all the best in the future.”

Harkes plucked Martin from the NCAA ranks to join his staff. Formerly the Wake Forest University men's soccer head coach, Martin helped recruit to Cincinnati several of his former collegiate stars, including midfielder and team MVP Corben Bone and United Soccer League MVP finalist Sean Okoli.

Martin also coached Harkes' son, current Wake Forest senior Ian Harkes.

For now, FC Cincinnati's technical staff is comprised of Harkes, goalkeeping coach Jamie Starr and Nate Kish. Kish is working as head of FC Cincinnati's scouting operations.

With the conclusion of FC Cincinnati's inaugural season, the club's first-ever off-season was always likely to bring about some turnover. Martin's departure is the first of its kind in the young team's history.