On Wednesday, Reno 1868 FC head coach Ian Russell was named one of three finalists for the USL Championship Coach of the Year award.
Russell led Reno to club records in wins (18) and points (60) this season, finishing with the Western Conference’s second-best regular-season record (18-10-6). Reno also scored the third most goals in the league (72) and was a dominant side away from Greater Nevada Field, where they amassed a 10-5-2 road record.
A former Earthquakes player and assistant coach, Russell became head coach of 1868 FC prior to their inaugural season in 2017. He has since guided the club to a 52-27-25 record, including playoffs, with three consecutive playoff berths.
Russell is no stranger to the Coach of the Year award, having previously finished third in 2017. This year, he’ll compete against Phoenix Rising’s Rick Schantz and Pittsburgh’s Bob Lilley for the honor.
