ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced Friday that Coach Robbie Neilson has been let go.

Assistant Coach Steve Coleman will serve as the club’s interim head coach, starting with Saturday’s home opener against Loudoun United FC at Al Lang Stadium.

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Neilson joined the Rowdies at the start of the 2024 season. The Rowdies posted a 17-17-8 record across all competitions under Neilson and finished the 2024 season sixth in the Eastern Conference. 

“Appointing Steve Coleman as interim head coach reflects our confidence in the group we have,” said Rowdies Vice Chairman Brian Auld. “In his short time at the club, Steve has already taken it upon himself to understand our Rowdies culture and is fully committed to supporting our players on and off the field."

Coleman takes on head coaching duties after joining the Rowdies' technical staff in the offseason. Last year, Coleman served as First Assistant Coach for Loudoun United.