Vermes named Wizards interim coach after firing head coach Onalfo

Wizards name Vermes interim coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Wizards have named Peter Vermes the interim head coach for the rest of the season.

President Robb Heineman said Tuesday that Vermes will maintain his role as the team’s technical director while serving as coach. He replaces Curt Onalfo, who was fired Monday with the Wizards stumbling to sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Vermes retired in 2002 after playing in 184 games, with 11 goals and 17 assists over seven seasons. He played for the then New York/New Jersey MetroStars, Colorado Rapids and the Wizards.

Onalfo took over before then 2007 season and finishes with a 27-29-22 record in MLS play.

The Wizards (5-7-6) have also dismissed assistant coach Kris Kelderman.