After Saturday night, Real Salt Lake will begin an new era–one without John Ellinger in its wings.
Ellinger announced his resignation as technical director August 7 in order to pursue other opportunities. RSL owner David Checketts accepted Ellinger’s letter of resignation.
“Unfortunately, I need to excuse myself from my duties with RSL in order to pursue other engaging opportunities elsewhere within the sport,” Ellinger said.
As RSL’s inaugural head coach, Ellinger began his duties with the club when it was born in 2004. He has been a crucial part of the franchise’s growth and will continue his services through RSL’s match on Saturday versus Chicago at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
“Real Salt Lake will be eternally grateful for all that John Ellinger has given this organization since our inception,” Checketts said.
Ellinger, 55, shifted to technical director when Jason Kreis was named head coach on May 3. Kreis was a forward for the team at the time and still remains the all-time MLS scoring leader.
Ellinger never scored a goal for RSL, but he helped establish the franchise.
Real amassed a 15-37-16 record under Ellinger’s command. The club narrowly missed the 2006 MLS Playoffs and carried momentum into the 2007 campaign with a “playoffs or bust” attitude.
With a 0-2-2 start to 2007, Ellinger’s reign as head coach ended and he embraced his role as technical director, aiding Kreis in personnel related matters.
Ellinger had a heavy hand in the team’s transactions as a coach. Ellinger proved even busier as technical director by guiding RSL through several acquisitions during his four-month stint.
Ellinger played a major role in finishing a deal with D.C. United before the 2007 season that brought Freddy Adu and goalkeeper Nick Rimando to RSL. As Adu’s former development coach, Ellinger wanted to gain help the soccer prodigy gain experience as a midfielder in hopes of helping his team and Adu’s game flourish.
Ellinger did not restrain his skills to merely helping the club win now. He also played a leading role in creating developmental teams for Real’s future.RSL Utah and RSL Arizona consist of Under-16 and Under-17 teams that compete in the United Soccer League’s Super-Y League. Ellinger established these clubs to cultivate new talent.
“John was tireless in his pioneering efforts as our first head coach and more recently as our technical director, enlightening players, fans, media, and the community-at-large with his expertise and in building and developing the fantastic soccer culture in Utah,” Checketts said. “We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”