Source: Former assistant coach Robin Fraser returns to Toronto FC as head coach

Jan 10, 2025 | 7:41 AM

TORONTO — Toronto FC has named Robin Fraser its new head coach, according to a source.

The 58-year-old Fraser is a former assistant coach with the franchise, leaving Toronto in August 2019 to take over the Colorado Rapids.

After initial success with the Rapids, he was fired in September 2023 with the injury-plagued club in last place in Major League Soccer at 3-13-10. More recently he served as an adviser to CT United FC, an MLS Next Pro expansion team in Bridgeport, Conn.

Fraser, whose contract runs through the 2027 MLS season, becomes TFC’s 15th head coach according to the source, granted anonymity because the club has yet to announce the signing.

Toronto has been without a coach since John Herdman stepped down Nov. 29 after a little more than one season at the helm.

Fraser originally joined Toronto in 2015 and was a key assistant to Greg Vanney. As such he was part of TFC’s glory days including the club’s 2017 treble-winning season (MLS Cup, MLS Supporters’ Shield and Canadian Championship).

Prior to his first stint with Toronto, Fraser was an assistant coach with Real Salt Lake and the New York Red Bulls and also served as head coach of Chivas USA for two seasons.

Fraser had a distinguished playing career during which he won 27 caps for the U.S. and was twice named MLS Defender of the Year.

Toronto (11-19-4) missed the playoffs in 2024 for the fourth straight season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2025

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press