Phoenix Rising FC coach and president of soccer operations Frank Yallop has resigned in order to rejoin his family in northern California, Yallop and the team announced Monday.
"Helping set the state for success at Phoenix Rising FC has been among the most enjoyable accomplishments in my career," Yallop said in a statement. "The timing is perfect here for me to step aside and move back home with my family."
The English-born Yallop served as the coach of Canada's national team from 1990-97. He went on to coach several Major League Soccer clubs, including the San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy. He is a two-time MLS Coach of the Year.
Yallop agreed to become the coach and president of soccer operations of Arizona United, later renamed Phoenix Rising, in December 2015. Phoenix Rising is part of the United Soccer League, a Division II professional league in North America. The team is 2-2 so far this season.
In its first season as Phoenix Rising, the club created a 6,000-seat venue in Scottsdale in an effort to attract an expansion MLS franchise to the Valley. The team has already signed some big-name players, including former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, who is also part of the team's ownership group. Drogba was introduced to the fans at halftime of Sunday's 4-3 win over Swope Park Rangers in Scottsdale.
WATCH: Post-match comments from Frank Yallop and @luke_rooney following the club's 4-3 win over @SwopeRangers. #RisingAsOne #PHXvSPR pic.twitter.com/NnE4Ib5SED
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) April 24, 2017
"I want to thank our talented players for believing in our vision, and our extremely dedicated ownership group. I believe there is no other club better positioned for expansion to MLS," Yallop said.
The team announced Yallop will aid in the search for a new coach, and that search will begin immediately.
"Frank is a wonderful human being and extremely experienced head coach. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership during the vital initial development of our soccer organization and his ongoing commitment to help us find an experienced head coach capable of successfully competing in MLS," Phoenix Rising FC governor Berke Bakay said in a statement.
"We are saddened to see Frank leave our organization, but respect his decision to reunite with his family."
