Former Earthquakes defender Jordan Stewart named Monterey Bay F.C. head coach.

Monterey Bay F.C. management promised to lose no time in naming a new head coach. On Monday morning, Aug. 5, the team announced that Jordan Stewart would be taking the helm, less than a week after parting ways with Frank Yallop.

Stewart joins MBFC after coaching for two seasons in the San Jose Earthquakes system. Last year he served as assistant coach for The Town FC, which notched a record of 11-7-10 in the developmental MLS Next league. This will be his first head coaching position at a top level.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Stewart said in a press statement.

The former English Premier League and MLS defender will be joined on the touchline by the recently retired MBFC midfielder Simon Dawkins, who served as interim head coach for the Union’s match against Tampa Bay. Despite the coaching turmoil, MBFC battled the Rowdies to a 2-2 draw on Saturday at Cardinale Stadium.

Stewart and Dawkins are familiar with each other. The two were teammates at San Jose in 2016. Before coming to the U.S., Stewart played with Leicester City, Watford, Derby County, Sheffield United and other sides, bouncing between the Premier League and lower tiers. He began his coaching career guiding future players in the Quakes Academy.

“He exhibits all of the qualities we look for in a head coach,” said Mike DiGiulio, MBFC president. “I am excited to watch our development under his leadership.”

Fittingly, the Birmingham, England native takes over in time to face the other Birmingham, as the Union plays host to Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday. 

After Saturday’s draw, MBFC is 7-6-9 on the season, holding eighth place in the USL Championship Western Conference.