Recently retired Colorado Rapids player, Brian Mullan has been named the Rapids’ new assistant coach and Community Ambassador. Mullan is one of only three players to win a MLS Cup five teams. Brian Mullan also won four caps for the United States between 2004-2007.
The 36 year old Aurora, Colorado native is excited about this new opportunity awaiting him.
“It will be a learning experience for me as a coach, but it is good to be with mentors that I can learn from,” Mullan stated in a statement announcing his hire. “I’m also looking forward to the ambassador part of the job, but at the moment, the soccer has pretty much taken up most of my time.”
Mullan’s last season in the MLS was cut short due to all the cartilage being shot in knee, he would never be able to run again. However, injury did not stop Mullan from being active with team activities. He was present at every practice, mentoring younger players, assisting the coaching staff, lugging equipment everywhere, and doing light work on the side.
One of the most important lessons he wants to teach his players is that there is a time and place for everything. “There’s a time and a place to be flashy, but that’s maybe a tenth of a percent of the game,” Mullan said last fall. “It’s those in-between moments that make you a better player.”
Paul Bravo, Colorado Rapids’ Vice President of soccer operations/technical director declared that Mullan will be a great addition to the coaching staff, and his presence will be a blueprint of how a player be successful in Major League Soccer.
Colorado Rapids’ President, Tim Hinchey raved on the hire of Mullan’s to the coaching staff because of Brian’s connection to the Colorado community.
“KSE Charities has a great tradition of former players investing in our community after their playing careers end,” Hinchey said in a statement. “Brian becomes our first club ambassador to join this tradition. He will participate in numerous community projects and endeavors that focus on improving the lives of youths.”
Brian Mullan will be joining head coach Pablo Mastroeni and assistants Steve Cooke and Chris Sharpe.
