The Major League Soccer Coach of the Year award will now be named after the late Sigi Schmid, the league announced Friday.
Schmid passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as one of the United States’ soccer coaching greats.
“Sigi was an important part of our league from the very early years in our history, and he had a significant impact on everyone he touched throughout his life and coaching career,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “While he will be remembered by many in the soccer community for his success on the field, it was his kindness and his great qualities as a father, husband and mentor that made him such a special person.