Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino leaving after this season

ATLANTA - Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino will leave the club after this season, the team announced Tuesday morning. 

“This was not an easy decision to make, I have enjoyed my time with Atlanta United very much and am proud of what we have accomplished together in such a short time,” Martino said in a news release. “The decision was not made for financial reasons, negotiations with the front office were transparent and fair. It was simply the right move for me and my family at this time. The opportunity to build a team from the start does not come along often, and I am grateful to the club and to the fans for putting their trust in me to establish a solid foundation here in Atlanta. What is most important now is that the focus remain on our goals for this season.”

According to the news release, Martino made the decision to move on after the 2018 season and not extend his contract for "personal reasons." 

Martino was announced as Atlanta United's head coach on September 27, 2016, and in two years he guided the team to back-to-back MLS Cup Playoff appearances. 

“We are very grateful to Tata for his commitment to Atlanta United and for all he has done to help build our club during our first two years in the league,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “True to his reputation, he has been an incredible leader and has set us up for great success moving forward.  From the beginning, his vision for Atlanta United was aligned with ours, and his level of experience, talent and leadership has been extremely valuable during this critical time. He will be missed, but we understand and appreciate his reasons for moving on to spend time with family and take on new challenges.”