SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has hired John Wolyniec as Technical Director. Wolyniec will work closely with General Manager Chris Leitch in setting the overall strategy for the club’s soccer operations department, as well as taking a leadership role in player development, scouting, and roster management.
“I’m excited to welcome John and his family to San Jose,” said Leitch. “John has extensive knowledge of Major League Soccer and understands what it takes to be successful. He also has a track record of success developing young players for one of the preeminent youth systems in the league.”
Wolyniec joins San Jose after serving as head coach of New York Red Bulls II from 2015-21. In 2016, Wolyniec led New York Red Bulls II to the United Soccer League’s best regular season record (21-3-6), nine points ahead of second-place Louisville City, and later won the USL Championship with a 5-1 victory over Swope Park Rangers. He was named the USL Coach of the Year following his team’s remarkable trophy-winning season. He stepped down from his role following the 2021 season and departed with an 88-75-43 all-time record (.532).
“I’m very excited to be able to join the San Jose Earthquakes,” said Wolyniec. “The club has a lot of exciting young talent that’s ready to take the next step and I’m looking forward to helping them achieve their respective goals.”
During his time with Red Bulls II, Wolyniec helped develop many young talents for the club, including Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig), Aaron Long (RBNY), Cristian Casseres Jr. (RBNY), Sean Davis (Nashville SC), Alex Muyl (Nashville SC), Derrick Etienne Jr. (Columbus Crew), Kyle Duncan (Oostende), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), and Jared Stroud (Austin FC), among many others.
The Staten Island native competed collegiately at Fordham University from 1995-98, where he led the nation in goals as a senior. He was selected by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars as the seventh overall pick in the 1999 MLS College Draft before eventually signing with the A-League Long Island Rough Riders and leading the team in goals as a rookie. Later that year, he signed with the MetroStars and scored in his MLS debut, ultimately making four MLS appearances.
Wolyniec was picked up by the Chicago Fire in 2000. Between 2000 and 2010, Wolyniec made 188 additional MLS appearances (101 starts) and tallied 32 goals and 16 assists for five different clubs, including parts of eight seasons with the MetroStars/Red Bulls. His best season came in 2004 in which he scored 10 goals for the MetroStars, tied for seventh most in the league.
Internationally, Wolyniec made two appearances for the U.S. National Team, both in 2004.
Following his retirement in 2010, Wolyniec joined the Red Bull Academy before being promoted to first team assistant coach and reserve team coach in 2013.
Wolyniec participated in EFCL coaching course in 2013-14, created in partnership with MLS and the French Football Federation, and later obtained his U.S. Soccer Pro License in 2020.
