"We're having substantial conversations with John Ellinger," general manager Steve Pastorino said Thursday. "I look forward to concluding our conversations with him."
Ellinger, who recently returned from a U-17 tournament in Paraguay, was not available for comment. Ellinger's contract with U.S. Soccer runs until December of next year, and the organization reportedly is requesting compensation for an early contract termination.
"There are still negotiations to be done," Pastorino said.
Ellinger, 52, was one of the first candidates interviewed. During the MLS All-Star break in July, chief executive Dean Howes interviewed Ellinger in Washington D.C. Now in in his seventh year as the U-17 coach, Ellinger heads the U.S. Soccer's youth development program in Bradenton, Fla. He has held various coaching positions in his 11 years with U.S. Soccer and also was an assistant coach with the Columbus Crew in the MLS's inaugural season.
With his experience as a youth coach, Ellinger is perhaps more familiar with the country's up-and-coming talent than any other candidate. Last year, Ellinger posted an overall record of 39-10-11 and helped the U-17 team outscore its opponents 151-56. The team also earned a 13-6-5 record in international matches while outscoring opponents 49-26.
"John Ellinger is full of qualities that appeal to our organization," Pastorino said.
Since the initial list of candidates was revealed by Howes in August, names have been progressively crossed off. A Soccer America magazine Web site Thursday identified D.C. United assistant Tom Soehn as one of two remaining candidates, but The Tribune has learned Soehn will not come to Utah.
"I will tell you, I am no longer a candidate," Soehn said.
Steve Sampson was hired by the L.A. Galaxy to replace Sigi Schmid, and Glenn Myernick removed his name from consideration, opting to remain an assistant to Bruce Arena on the U.S. men's national team.
Also Thursday, veteran MLS coach Thomas Rongen was announced as the coach of the expansion Club Deportivo Chivas USA in a press conference at the Home Depot Center in Carso, Calif.
