Red Bulls announce Osorio resignation

Richie Williams named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2009 season

Red Bull New York Media Relations

Richie Williams takes the reins for the remainder of 2009. (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

SECAUCUS, NJ -- Red Bull New York has announced that head coach Juan Carlos Osorio has resigned from his position, effective immediately. The team also announced that assistant coach Richie Williams will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2009 season. The search process for a new head coach will begin immediately.

"It has been a difficult season for Juan Carlos and he felt that it was in the best interest of the team to step aside," said Red Bulls Managing Director Erik Stover. "I want to personally thank Juan Carlos for his efforts with the Red Bulls organization. It was under his leadership last season that the team won the Western Conference Championship and reached the MLS Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

"I want to apologize to the fans for the results this season," said Osorio. "I want to thank the players for their hard work. I would also like to thank the club for the opportunity to coach the team for the past two seasons."

Williams, 39, takes over as interim head coach for the second time in his career. Currently in his fourth season as an assistant coach with New York, Williams also served as the Red Bulls interim head coach from June 27-Aug. 12, 2006, taking over for Mo Johnston. Williams went 4-3-2 over that stretch.

Osorio joined the Red Bulls as head coach on December 18, 2007. In his two seasons, he led the team to a 12-27-13 record and an appearance in the 2008 MLS Cup Final.