Alignment can be a popular concept in professional sport, the idea that the most prosperous organizations share the same values and desires from top to bottom.
The relationship between former Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney and captain Michael Bradley makes a strong case for the benefit of alignment. For the past seven years, the pair worked together to turn the Reds from the laughingstock of Major League Soccer to one of the league’s crowning glories, never seeming out of step no matter how long the days got or how challenging the work became.
That professional relationship ended earlier this week, when Vanney surprised MLS by stepping down as head coach and technical director of TFC.