The Allen Americans have announced that they have fired Head Coach/General Manager Chad Costello after two seasons with the team; he had just finished the second year of his three-year deal that he signed back in May of 2022. In two seasons under Costello, the team put up a record of 70-67-5-2 and has now made the Kelly Cup Playoffs in four straight seasons; the team failed to get out of the division in both years in the Kelly Cup Playoffs under Costello. Prior to coaching, the Iowa native spent eight years in the ECHL as a player, putting up 172 goals and 389 assists for 561 points in 375 games with the Colorado Eagles, Ontario Reign, and Allen Americans. Costello would also go on to win two Kelly Cup Championships along with a June M Kelly Award in 20166, he would win three MVP Awards including back to back MVP’s in 2016 and 2017, would win the ECHL Sportsmanship award in 2015, and would be named to the ECHL All-Star game twice in his career. He became the third player in franchise history to have his number retired.
“These are always difficult decisions, but this one was especially tough because of what Chad (Costello) and his family mean to the Allen Americans,” noted Americans Co-Owner LaSonjia Jack. “We wish Chad the best and we’re excited to begin the search for our next coach.”
Via Allen Americans Press Release
Allen will begin a search their search for a new coach and GM immediately. It is unknown if the new head coach will also serve as the team’s general manager of their will be a search for both positions separately. The Allen Americans and Worcester Railers are the only two ECHL teams with a head coaching vacancy.
Let’s hope the new coach won’t allow the dangerous and goon like behavior that has been going on the past couple years. Players get hurt when Allen is losing a game.
Crazy to have a coach fired so soon? Both years he led the team to the playoffs and not really given a chance. The ECHL is harder than any other league as when you have good players they get called up a level or two. To make the playoffs both years shows his ability. I doubt they will find a better coach and GM. Just another reason I did not renew my season tickets after having been a season ticket for the last 11 years. The Allen event center has raised prices where beer is cheaper than water? No outside vendors and as expensive or more than NHL prices.