The Vancouver Whitecaps announced that they have relieved Carl Robinson from his managerial duties, and will replace him on an interim basis with Craig Dalrymple, who had previously been the technical director of the club's academy.
The Whitecaps, who are four points out of the sixth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with five matches remaining, also relieved assistant coach Martyn Pert and goalkeeper coach Stewart Kerr of their coaching duties.
"We have a lot of respect and appreciation for Carl and his team, and are thankful for the contributions they have made to this club. A lot of thought and consideration has gone into this decision, which was made with the best interests of the club moving forward," said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps president. "With five games left, we remain focused on our opportunity to make the playoffs. As we look to 2019 and beyond, we are committed to being a championship contender and a global search for a coach to lead this vision will start today."
Robinson, 41, spent parts of five seasons in charge of the Whitecaps, compiling a record of 78-71-50 across all competitions. The job was his first in a head coaching role after having spent two years as an assistant with Vancouver. But after finishing second in the Western Conference in 2015, the Caps have found it difficult to consolidate their position, missing the playoffs in 2016, finishing third in the conference last season, and then sitting outside the playoff places in the current campaign.
Dalrymple has served as the academy technical director since the start of 2014, having initially joined the program in 2010 as head coach before spending time as the assistant technical director. Prior to the club joining MLS, Dalrymple played four seasons with Vancouver from 1995 to 1998 and was a first team associate coach in 2008.
In terms of possible long-term replacements, LAFC assistant coach Marc Dos Santos has been rumored to be on the radar of the Whitecaps front office, though he has also drawn interest from the San Jose Earthquakes.