Oscar Pareja has departed FC Dallas, the team announced Monday.
The Colombian had been the MLS club’s head coach for the last five seasons, overseeing a US Open Cup victory in 2016, and an MLS Supporters’ Shield in the same year.
Goal reported last week that Pareja is set to be named head coach of Club Tijuana in Liga MX.
“This was a difficult decision for me and my family," Pareja said in a statement. "FC Dallas has been our home for many years, but we felt it would be best for us to seek a different challenge which enables me to keep growing as a coach.
"This club and its players are heading on the right path and I have no doubt they will get there. I would like to thank the Hunt family, Clark and Dan, for their support throughout my time here. The memories I have made with this club will stay with me and my family for a lifetime.”
A former FC Dallas player, the 50-year-old Pareja has been heavily involved with the club for most of the past two decades. He spent time as Dallas’ academy director and then returned to coach the first team after a stint with the Colorado Rapids.
Pareja oversaw a period that had Dallas ascend as one of MLS’ stronger sides, and made their way to the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals in 2017, where they were defeated by eventual champions Pachuca.
After the 2017 season saw a down campaign for Dallas and a missed postseason, the team rebounded in 2018 to make the MLS playoffs, though they were eliminated by the Portland Timbers in the knockout round.
Overall, Pareja's Dallas sides made the playoffs in four out of his five seasons at the helm, finishing first in the Western Conference twice, while also making the Western Conference final in 2015.
“This was a difficult decision for everyone involved, but after extensive discussions over the last few weeks, we believe the best course of action is for Oscar to pursue another opportunity,” FC Dallas Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement.
“Dan and I have tremendous respect and admiration for Oscar as a coach and as a person, and we sincerely appreciate his significant contributions to the club over the years. He will always be an important part of our FC Dallas family.”
