Utah Royals Fire Coach Craig Harrington

The Utah Royals have fired first-year head coach Craig Harrington, the team announced on Monday.

The Royals placed Harrington and assistant Louis Lancaster on leaves of absence on Sept. 20 before the team's opening game of the National Women Soccer League Fall Series against Portland. Utah did not provide a reason for placing them on leave.

The Royals said on Monday that assistant Amy LePeilbet will continue to serve as interim head coach. Lancaster will remain with the team.

"As Coach LePeilbet has already demonstrated, she is well-positioned to serve in this interim role and embodies the Club's dedication to the highest standards of conduct, civility, and professionalism," the Royals said in…