The Red Bulls, a club once accused of being allergic to American coaches, much less its own fan favorites, is doing its best to shed both images. The team just announced John Wolyniec as its new reserve team coach and player development coordinator, a promotion from Red Bull Academy Under-23 head coach.
“John has been a terrific servant for this club and we are delighted to promote him to be our Reserve Team Coach/Player Development Coordinator,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh.
“Apart from his first team duties and managing the reserves, he will influence and support the work of our academy. We believe he has the experience both as a player and coach to excel in this position.”
Wolyniec played for a dozen years, seven-plus seasons in New York where he became one of the most popular players in MetroStars or Red Bulls history and was bestowed the nickname The Staten Island Ronaldo. He’s still the only player in club annals to ever score a goal in an MLS Cup final, and his 36 goals in all competitions were fifth in team history when he retired.
He started his coaching career at the Red Bull Academy after retiring in 2010, joining the staff full time the next January as an individual technical coach. This comes in the heels of the Red Bulls removing the interim tag from head coach Mike Petke, who had risen from the same position Wolyniec now holds.
“I’m thrilled to join the Red Bulls coaching staff and want to thank Andy and Mike for their support,” said Wolyniec. “This is a tremendous opportunity for my career and it is an added bonus that I have the chance to work for my hometown club.
“I am looking forward to the new challenge and hope I can help contribute positively to the Red Bulls’ coaching staff and players.”
The Fordham product and Staten Island native is tied for fourth all-time on the team’s record books in regular season games played with 142, scoring 26 goals in these appearances.