The LA Galaxy have relieved general manager Pete Vagenas of his duties and handed the player personnel decisions to head coach Sigi Schmid, the team announced Tuesday.
Vagenas, who was appointed to the role in November 2016, will remain with the club as vice president of soccer operations.
“The results this season did not meet the standard and expectations of this club, our fans and this city,” Galaxy president Chris Klein said in a statement. “Sigi has a proven track record building championship-caliber teams in MLS. He understands this league, its players and its structure as well as anyone in soccer and we have full confidence in him as we enter this offseason to strengthen our roster ahead of 2018.”
Vagenas was tasked with overseeing a transition for the Galaxy, which included the departure of long-time coach Bruce Arena for the U.S. national team job, along with prominent striker Robbie Keane, who was not re-signed following the 2016 campaign.
While Vagenas did make multiple big-name splashes in signing Romain Alessandrini and Jonathan dos Santos, the Galaxy were a massive disappointment in 2017, finishing 22nd out of 22 MLS teams. New head coach Curt Onalfo was replaced in July with former Galaxy, Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders manager Schmid.
This season marked the first since 2008 that the Galaxy failed to make the playoffs.
After taking over, Schmid accumulated a record of two wins, eight losses and four draws.
According to the Galaxy, Schmid will have full control over all moves involving players acquisition, scouting and management of coaches.
“I am excited for the opportunity to build the LA Galaxy roster into one that is capable of competing for championships,” Schmid said in the statement. “The Galaxy continue to have tremendous support from Dan Beckerman, Mr. Anschutz and AEG in every aspect of operations and I look forward to further aligning and improving the LA Galaxy, Galaxy II and our Academy. This offseason is vital as we look ahead to the coming season and we will begin the efforts necessary to strengthen our roster immediately.”
The Galaxy also announced further staff announcements are expected “in the coming days.”