The USL Championship announced this morning that Reno 1868 FC head coach Ian Russell and New Mexico United coach Troy Lesesne have won coach of the year.
“…Russell, success meant leading 1868 FC to the best record in the Championship for the first time in its history, and individually becoming the second-fastest Head Coach in the league to reach 60 victories… ”
USL Championship -November 5, 2020
Ian Russell has been a finalist for Coach of the year three times in his four seasons with Reno 1868 FC. During that time he has helped ten players move up to the MLS. The most recent players being Foster Langsdorf, Sam Gleadle, And Kevin Partida who are all headed to Minnesota United FC. Ian Russell is a great coach. I am glad to have him at the helm for Reno 1868 FC. He has found success despite having a completely different team each season. He has been able to help Reno reach the playoffs every season after losing key players or even the core of the team from the previous season. He deserves the honor of being coach of the year. If he sticks around for 2021 (I think he will) he may have to completely rebuild the team. If he does rebuild the team and find similar success to what Reno accomplished this season, he will be in the running for this award next year.
Zac Electrifly 