The Houston Dash announced on Sunday that head coach Fabrice Gautrat and technical director Twila Kilgore have been relieved of their duties. The decision comes with six games remaining in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, as the club seeks to improve its standing.
Interim leadership named
Assistant coach Jaime Frias will assume the role of interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Frias, who has been with the organization for several years, is expected to provide continuity while the front office evaluates long‑term options.
Team performance and context
Houston currently holds a 7‑12‑5 record, placing the Dash 12th out of 16 teams in the league. The club entered the season with high expectations, but the results have fallen short of those goals.
Gautrat was in his second season as head coach. In his first year, the Dash posted an 8‑12‑6 record. Kilgore, who became technical director in February, previously served as the U.S. women’s national team head coach from August 2023 to May 2024 and was an assistant coach for the Dash from 2019‑2021.
Club statement
“Our conviction in this group has not wavered,” Dash president of women’s soccer Angela Hucles Mangano said in a statement. “We believe in the quality of this team and its ability to succeed both this season and beyond. We also have a responsibility to evaluate our trajectory and determine what is needed to achieve the ambitions we have for this team. Ultimately, this decision reflects our commitment to those ambitions and our determination to continue moving the club forward.”
What’s next for the Dash?
With the season nearing its conclusion, the Dash will look to capitalize on the remaining fixtures to improve its league position and build momentum for the offseason. The front office has indicated that a thorough review of the coaching staff and technical operations will guide future hires.
Fans can expect updates on the search for a permanent head coach and technical director in the weeks ahead. The club remains focused on delivering a competitive product on the field and maintaining its commitment to the community of Houston soccer supporters.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
