Mark Parsons will not return next season to coach the Washington Spirit, the National Women's Soccer League team announced Tuesday.
The announcement came two days after the Spirit suffered a 1-0 home loss to the North Carolina Courage on the final day of the NWSL regular season to miss out on the playoffs for a second straight year.
"We are grateful for Mark's contributions in the 2023 season," said Mark Krikorian, president of soccer operations, in a news release. "He helped lay a strong foundation and set us on a path to excellence. We wish him all the best in the future."
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After previously coaching the Spirit from 2013-15, Parsons re-joined the team in 2023 to assist in their rebuilding efforts, leading them to a 7-9-6 record.
"It has been a privilege to be back in Washington DC and the NWSL this past year," Parsons said. "I am proud of the work the players and the staff have put in this season, and I know the Spirit is well-positioned for success moving forward given the foundation has been built."
He said he was "disappointed to not be returning to the Spirit in 2024."
Prior to the 2023 season, Parsons, 37, spent one season as head coach of the Netherlands women's national team after six seasons as the head coach of the Portland Thorns FC (2016-21).
Reuters contributed to this report.
