Rich Manning Stepping Down After 19 Seasons As Utah Women’s Soccer Coach

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Rich Manning announced on that he is stepping down as the Utah women’s soccer coach, finishing a 19-year career with the Utes.

It was announced that Rich Manning is stepping down as the Utah women’s soccer head coach to pursue other career opportunities.

“After 19 years, it’s time for a new adventure,” Manning said. “It’s been a privilege to be the women’s soccer coach at the University of Utah. I’m proud of the way we played the game and how our teams represented the University. I want to give a huge thanks to the great people in the department. I will be forever grateful to our soccer staff: Scott Halasz, Allie Wisner, Devin Zimmerman, Tom Iriye and Cody Lockling have been the best colleagues, and I’m a better person for having worked with them. Big thanks to my family, especially my wife Sue. Most of all I want to thank all of the wonderful women who have put on the Utah jersey and given their all for the Utes. They are the best of college athletics. I look forward to watching the team shine in the future.”

Congratulations to @CoachManning for an incredible 19 years on the Hill!! We are so grateful for everything you have done!

🔗 https://t.co/ieQbrKF8He#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/p91O5gTVpM

— Utah Women's Soccer 😷 (@UtahWSoccer) April 22, 2021

Manning became the head coach of the Utah women’s soccer team in 2002 and compiled a record of 192-144-53, leading the Utes to eight NCAA Tournament appearances. Five of those appearances came consecutively from 2002-06.

“I want to thank Rich for his contributions to our program over his 19 years as head coach,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said. “I am appreciative of the dedicated service Rich has provided to our program and his commitment to the well-being of our student-athletes in their academic and athletic pursuits, as well as their personal development.”

As the head coach, Manning has produced professional and international players. He has coached 54 all-conference selections, three conference offensive players of the year, two defensive players of the year and three freshmen of the year.

“Rich has positively impacted the lives of many young people in our women’s soccer program during his time at Utah, and we wish him and his family all the best,” Harlan added. “A national search, led by Deputy Athletics Director Charmelle Green and Assoc. A.D. Liz Prince, will begin immediately to identify a new head coach for our program to continue to build on the foundation Rich has built, and to position our team for greater success in the future.”

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.