The Colorado Rapids have welcomed back one of their own. Brian Mullan, who retired last fall after a 14-year playing career in Major League Soccer, has been named an assistant coach, with the additional role of community ambassador.

Mullan, a 36-year-old native of Aurora, played for the Rapids for four and a half years (mid-2010 through 2014). He began his pro career with the Los Angeles Galaxy (2001-2002), spent three years with San Jose (2003-2005) and five years in Houston (2005 to mid-2010).

“The Rapids have treated me well as I transition from my playing career, and I’m very thankful for that,” said Mullan. ‘I’m really excited to be back out on the field and to be working with a great coaching staff.

“It will be a learning experience for me as a coach, but it is good to be with mentors that I can learn from. I’m also looking forward to the ambassador part of the job, but at the moment, the soccer has pretty much taken up most of my time.”

The personable Mullan, well liked on and off the field by players, coaches and fans, will be the fourth member of the Rapids’ coaching staff, along with Pablo Mastroeni, head coach, and assistants Steve Cooke and Chris Sharpe. While the majority of his work will be as an assistant coach, he will also handle club ambassador duties that include working on various community projects with which the club is involved.

Paul Bravo, vice president of soccer operations and technical director, says Mullan will be a strong addition to the on-the-field staff.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to congratulate Brian on a great career and welcome him to Pablo's technical staff,” said Bravo, who has been adding to the technical staff of the Rapids over the off-season. “Brian will be a great addition to the staff and will play an important role in helping our players understand what it takes to be successful at this level.”

Team President Tim Hinchey sees Mullan as a big asset for the club in its community relations activities.

“We are delighted to not only have Brian join our technical group, but to become the club’s first full time community ambassador,” Hinchey said. “Brian has always been a player to dedicate time to his community and give back. I can’t think of a better person to join our front office.”

Hinchey added: “KSE Charities has a great tradition of former players investing in our community after their playing careers end. Brian becomes our first club Ambassador to join this tradition. He will participate in numerous community projects and endeavors that focus on improving the lives of youths.”

Mullan claimed MLS Cup wins at Los Angeles Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo (2), before arriving back home in Colorado on Sept. 15, 2010. Two months later, he was part of the Rapids’ MLS Cup-winning team.

He was capped four times by the USA. In 2008 he was inducted into the Creighton University (Nebraska) Athletic Hall of Fame and, only this past weekend, the Rapids' newest assistant coach was inducted into the Colorado Soccer Hall of Fame.