Someone always has to be the first manager fired in a given season. Sometimes the employment termination comes because a team continues to look dire, while others are sacked for failing to meet the high standards set. The 2019 Major League Soccer season has test cases for both situations.
The new MLS Cup playoff structure gives hope to more clubs. In turn, several coaches entered the 2019 MLS season with playoff mandates. Once that goal is out of reach, front offices are faced with a when-not-if question concerning a changing of the guard. However, it would be a rare season for every team to wait until the regular season is complete before cutting ties with a manager.