Hans Backe won't return as Red Bulls head coach

The New York Red Bulls announced today that head coach Hans Backe has been dismissed. The team's MLS season ended on Thursday in an Eastern Conference semifinal loss to D.C. United, and the front office wasted little time in making the move.

Backe's contract expired when the Red Bulls were ousted from the MLS Cup Playoffs on Thursday night by DC United. The Red Bulls said today that the veteran coach will not be retained.

Backe was hired by the Red Bulls in January 2010. Since that time, he has amassed 41 wins, 26 losses, and 31 draws. Under his watch, New York finished first in the Eastern Conference in 2010, but has not been able to match that success in the following seasons.

Many were disappointed with the Red Bulls' regular season performance the last two years. The team fell to fifth place and out of the playoffs in 2011 before finishing third in 2012. The club had a golden chance to advance to the conference finals at home on Thursday, after drawing with the United in D.C. Instead, it lost 1-0, and that result likely cost Backe any chance to return.