COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids announced on Monday that the club will not renew the contract of Head Coach Gary Smith. The Rapids will begin a search for a new head coach immediately.

“After meeting with Gary, we decided it would be in the best interest of both parties to move in a different direction,” said Colorado Rapids Managing Director Jeff Plush. “We’d like to thank Gary for his many contributions to the Colorado Rapids organization. He was instrumental in the Rapids winning our first-ever MLS Cup last year, and we wish him nothing but the best as he explores new opportunities.”

Gary Smith joined the Colorado Rapids as an assistant coach in early 2008 before taking over as interim head coach for the final 11 matches of that season. He was introduced as the club’s Head Coach in November of 2008, and in his three-plus seasons in the role, had a record of 39-31-35 (W-L-T), helping the club to its first-ever MLS Cup in 2010.