We knew the Timbers would have a new coach for next season, and the rumors surrounding the decision have been building and now the Portland Business Journal is reporting that the next coach of the Portland Timbers will be the former assistant coach of the Houston Dynamo, John Spencer. Spencer has been in the assitant coaching spot for the past four years and resigned yesterday.
The Houston Dynamo website reports the following…

Spencer – or “Spenny,” as the players called him – had been notably absent this week from practice, and several Dynamo players claimed his ultimate destination was Oregon, for a coaching role with the 2011 MLS expansion Portland Timbers. Both Dynamo and Timbers officials declined to comment on Spencer’s plans.

Spencer is a very exciting prospect for our new head coach, as he has been considered one of the most sought after coaches in the MLS. He had a long playing career, starting for the likes of Rangers, Chelsea, QPR and finishing his playing days at Colorado. He played in 88 matches for the Rapids tallying 37 goals. Spencer has been the assistant coach with the Dynamo since they first entered the league in 2006. There is no official word from the Timbers as of yet.

My prediction of head coaching announcements was blown, when I hypothesized that the US team might announce Klinsmann as the new coach during the WC final weekend. So with no credibility at stake, maybe we hear a Spencer announcement this weekend around the Man City game.

Links to the rumor mill…
Portland Business Journal – Spencer to be Timbers first MLS coach
Houston Dynamo - Dynamo drop Landín, announce Spencer will leave
Prost Amerika – Timbers Coach Will Have MLS Experience
Oregon Live – Timbers’ coaching candidates include John Spencer

Related posts:

1. US Head Coach Rumors
2. Wilkinson Wins 2nd Coach of the Year Award – Keita Passed Over for MVP
3. Timbers Revise MLS Badge
4. Portland Timbers Returning for the 2010 Season
5. 2009 MLS Playoff Confrence Championship Tonight