Schellas Hyndman, legendary SMU soccer coach, named FC Dallas head coach

by Erin Rice

Marco Ferruzzi took the FC Dallas head coaching reigns nearly a month ago when General Manager Michael Hitchcock relieved Steve Morrow of his duties. It wasn't widely publicized whether Ferruzzi would remain at the helm or if his appointment would be only temporary, but behind the scenes there was clearly a search in place. Today, however, the answer was made clear as the franchise announced their replacement, Southern Methodist University's (SMU) legendary head men's soccer coach, Schellas Hyndman.

smumustangs.cstv.com

Schellas Hyndman

In 1975, Hyndman played in the American Soccer League for the Cincinnati Comets, the same year that Pele began his three-year stint with the New York Cosmos of the NASL. After coaching and training in Brazil with the Sao Paolo Futbol Club and a number of years as head coach of other college teams, he took on the leading position at SMU in 1984. In his 24 years at SMU, he's had only winning seasons and in 2003 became the university's "winningest" head coach.

At the end of the 2007 season, Hyndman was 466-122-49 career as a college head coach, claiming the second most wins for a men's soccer coach in the NCAA. He twice took SMU to the men's College Cup (Final Four to the basketball-minded out there) in 2000 and again in 2005. Hyndman was named to the Pizza Hut Park Walk of Fame in 2007 alongside Kenny Cooper, Sr., the father of FC Dallas' star forward.

Schellas Hyndman is expected to debut as FCD head coach this Saturday when Dallas faces the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium.

Here's hoping Hyndman can continue his 24-year, winning-season streak in the MLS, as he takes on a team in the midst of a rough 4-5-4 season.