Did John Harkes Leave the Role? What Happened to Greenville Triumph Coach John Harkes?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Oct 25, 2023
Did John Harkes Leave the Role?
Greenville Triumph Soccer Club's Head Coach and Sporting Director, John Harkes, has announced that he will not seek to renew his contract after five years with the club. Harkes, a former captain of the US Men's National Team, joined Triumph in 2018, shortly after the club was founded, having previously served as the head coach of FC Cincinnati.
Prior to his tenure with Triumph, Harkes was the head coach for FC Cincinnati during the club's inaugural season in 2016, where he achieved a successful record, leading the team to a playoff berth and earning a Coach of the Year finalist nomination.
His success continued in Greenville, where he built a roster from scratch in under a year and guided the team to a runner-up finish in League One during the club's debut season.
Under Harkes' leadership, the team excelled during the shortened 2020 season, consistently topping the league table to secure the club's first League One title. He led the team to the USL League One Playoffs in each of his five seasons with the Triumph, reaching three consecutive League One Finals from 2019 to 2021.
Greenville stands as the only club to have made the postseason in each of the league's first five seasons. Harkes was recognized as the league's Coach of the Year in 2020 and received the Coach of the Month award five times.
Harkes is renowned for fielding squads known for elite defensive play, marked by strong goalkeeping and veteran lineups, including players with over 100 appearances for the club. In his departure statement, he expressed gratitude for his time with Greenville and looks forward to the next chapter in his career and life. He remains a dedicated supporter of the club, its fans, and the community.
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Who is John Harkes?
John Andrew Harkes, a former professional soccer player and current head coach of Greenville Triumph SC, has left an indelible mark on American soccer. Harkes hails from Kearny, New Jersey, where he played youth and high school soccer alongside future national team stars Tony Meola and Tab Ramos.
During his college years at the University of Virginia, Harkes received the prestigious Hermann Award in 1987, recognizing him as the best player in US colleges. His journey with the national team began in 1987, and he quickly became a vital part of the American midfield by 1990.
Harkes proudly represented the United States in multiple World Cups and international competitions, including the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, the 1995 Copa América, 1993, 1996, and 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cups, and the 1999 Confederations Cup.
Harkes achieved several "firsts" for American soccer, becoming the first American to play in the English Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, the second American to score at Wembley Stadium, and the first American soccer player to appear in the final of a major English tournament, the 1991 Football League Cup Final with Sheffield Wednesday.
Transitioning to Major League Soccer in 1996, he clinched two MLS Cup titles with D.C. United. Throughout the 1990s, Harkes stood out as a key player for the United States national team and was honored with the captaincy in 1998.
His remarkable versatility, strong leadership, and unwavering work ethic earned him a special place in the hearts of fans. In 2003, Harkes concluded his playing career and ventured into coaching in 2006, working at various levels, from youth to international. In 2022, he assumed the role of head coach for Greenville Triumph SC.
Full name
John Andrew Harkes
Date of birth
March 8, 1967
Place of birth
Kearny, New Jersey, United States
Height
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Position
Midfielder
Current team
Greenville Triumph SC (head coach)
John Harkes Age
John Harkes is 56 years old. He was born on March 8, 1967. Harkes is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and was inducted in 2013. He is also a member of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted in 2015.
John Harkes Nationality
John Harkes is American. He was born in Kearny, New Jersey, on March 8, 1967. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and has coached at the youth, professional, and international levels.
John Harkes Stats
August 13, 1989
South Korea
1–2
1–2
Friendly
February 24, 1990
Soviet Union
1–0
1–3
Friendly
May 30, 1992
Republic of Ireland
3–1
3–1
1992 U.S. Cup
May 6, 1992
Italy
1–1
1–1
1992 U.S. Cup
June 11, 1995
Nigeria
1–1
3–2
1995 U.S. Cup
June 18, 1995
Mexico
3–0
4–0
1995 U.S. Cup
Date
Opponent
Score
Result
Competition
Is John Harkes Married?
Yes, John Harkes is married. He has been married to Cindi Harkes since 1996. They have two children together, a daughter named Lauren and a son named Jackson.
Harkes and his wife met while he was playing for Sheffield Wednesday in England. They were married in a small ceremony in New Jersey in 1996.
Harkes is a very private person and does not share much about his personal life with the public. However, he has said that his wife and children are his biggest supporters and that he is very grateful for them.
John Harkes Career
Professional Journey in England: 1990–1996
John Harkes, a prominent American soccer player, made a name for himself while playing in England from 1990 to 1996. During this period, he showcased his remarkable skills at Sheffield Wednesday, scoring a goal that earned him the prestigious "Goal of the Season" award.
In 1991, Harkes played a pivotal role in Sheffield Wednesday's surprising victory against Manchester United in the League Cup final, marking a historic achievement as the first American to play at Wembley Stadium in over four decades.
He continued his success in England, even scoring in a League Cup Final, a remarkable feat for an American player.
Thriving in Major League Soccer: 1996–2003
Harkes returned to the United States in 1996 to join Major League Soccer (MLS), where he played a significant role in the success of D.C. United. In the inaugural MLS season, Harkes led his team to win the MLS Cup and continued to be a vital part of D.C. United's achievements. His contributions extended to the U.S.
Open Cup title and the Supporters Shield for the best regular season record in 1998. Despite his absence from the 1998 World Cup squad, Harkes made significant strides in American soccer, ultimately retiring in 2003 after playing for several MLS clubs.
International Stature and Coaching Career:
Harkes' impact extended beyond club soccer to the international stage, representing the United States in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups. He played a crucial role in developing the U.S. national team's foundation and contributed to its historic journey in the 1994 World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16.
Harkes also excelled in Copa América 1995 and received co-Most Valuable Player honors. After his playing career, Harkes transitioned into coaching and took on roles at various clubs, including FC Cincinnati and Greenville Triumph SC, where he continued to make a mark on the soccer landscape.
What Happened to Greenville Triumph Coach John Harkes?
John Harkes has declared his intention not to pursue contract renewal following his five-year tenure with the club. Harkes joined the Triumph soon after its formation in 2018, and during his five-year tenure, the team consistently made it to the playoffs.
They were runners-up in their debut season and clinched the USL League One title during the shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19. Harkes has an impressive coaching record, being the most successful coach in USL League One history, and he was recognized as the Coach of the Year in 2020.
He has received the Coach of the Month award on five occasions. Harkes' contract runs until the end of December, and he will assist in the transition as the club prepares for the 2024 season.
Is John Harkes Leave the Role - FAQs
John Harkes chose not to renew his contract with the Greenville Triumph Soccer Club as he believed it was time to explore new opportunities in his career.
Under John Harkes' leadership, the Greenville Triumph SC had remarkable success, including winning the USL League One title and consistently making the playoffs.
John Harkes played a crucial role in both playing and coaching capacities, helping elevate the level of soccer in the United States and nurturing young talents.
John Harkes' playing career in England was marked by achievements such as becoming the first American to play at Wembley Stadium and playing in the English Premier League.
John Harkes played a crucial role in the early days of Major League Soccer, contributing to the success of D.C. United and the development of American soccer.