Toronto FC fires head coach Robin Fraser after two seasons

TORONTO · Toronto FC has fired head coach Robin Fraser after two Major League Soccer seasons, the club announced Monday. Assistant coaches Neil Emblen, Wolde Harris and Jase Kim are also leaving the club. The team compiled a record of 15 wins, 27 losses and 26 draws during Fraser's tenure, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference in both seasons. General manager Jason Hernandez said the club will immediately begin a search for a new head coach ahead of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season. The club stated the results under Fraser did not meet expectations for this roster and a new voice is required.

"On behalf of the club, I want to thank Robin for his passion and commitment that he brought to Toronto FC as head coach over the last two years," Hernandez said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the performance and results did not meet our expectations for this roster, and it was determined that a new voice is required to take it to the next level. A thorough search for the club's next head coach will begin immediately as we work to deliver a consistent contender to our city and our supporters." The club did not name an interim head coach in its announcement.

What was Robin Fraser's record with Toronto FC?

Fraser was named head coach on Jan. 10, 2025. Under his leadership, Toronto FC posted a 15-27-26 record in MLS regular season play. The team finished 12th in the Eastern Conference in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Toronto was within striking distance of a playoff berth after a 2-0 win against Red Bull New York on Oct. 17, 2026, but lost three of its final four games. The club ultimately finished seven points out of a postseason spot. Toronto has not made the postseason since 2020 when it finished second in the East but was ousted in the first round.

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Who else is leaving the club?

Assistant coaches Neil Emblen, Wolde Harris and Jase Kim are departing alongside Fraser. The club's announcement did not specify whether they were fired or left voluntarily. No replacements for the assistant coaching staff were named. Hernandez will be available to media members during the club's year-end media availability on Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m. at BMO Training Ground. He will speak at BMO Training Ground as the coaching search begins.

When will Toronto FC hire a new coach?

The club stated a thorough search for its next head coach will begin immediately. The 2027 MLS Sprint Season opens on Feb. 19, 2027, with Toronto's first game scheduled for Feb. 20 at Atlanta United. The announcement did not identify any candidates or provide a specific timeline for naming a successor beyond the immediate start of the search. Hernandez will lead the process. The club's announcement does not identify candidates or a timeline for naming a successor beyond the start of that search.

What is Toronto FC's recent coaching history?

Toronto has not made the MLS postseason since 2020. Then-head coach Greg Vanney stepped down after that season, ending a seven-year tenure that included winning the MLS title in 2017. The team has since gone through six coaches, including Fraser. Toronto hasn't finished higher than 11th in the East since 2020. The club's search for a new coach comes as it seeks to end a prolonged period of instability and return to playoff contention.

With files from CBC News, The Globe and Mail and Toronto FC