FC Dallas will not renew contract for coach Clarke

DALLAS -- Colin Clarke will not return as coach of FC Dallas after the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and missed a chance to play for the MLS Cup at home for the second straight year.

FC Dallas general manager Michael Hitchcock said Tuesday that the team wouldn't renew Clarke's contract after three years as head coach.

"This team has one of the most talented rosters. We underachieved and we didn't reach our potential," said Hitchcock, who just ended his first season as GM. "A change is necessary to take that next step."

Dallas was the Western Conference top seed in the playoffs after a 16-12-4 record during the regular season, its 52 points being the second-most in the league. But Dallas was upset by Colorado in the opening round for the second straight year.

Clarke came to Dallas as an assistant in March 2001, then became interim head coach for the final six games of 2003. He got the job full time that summer and leaves with a 41-39-20 record in regular-season games.

New England and Houston play Sunday in the MLS Cup, which for the second straight year is being played in Frisco, Texas, at the home stadium of FC Dallas.

"It's disappointing not playing in front of our fans with a chance to win the championship," Hitchcock said.

Assistant coach Steve Morrow will be interim head coach and also be a candidate to replace Clark, Hitchcock said. Dallas hopes to have a new coach by the end of the year.