Pending an official announcement (currently broadcast live at United’s web site), D.C. United coach Peter Nowak is leaving the team to become the U.S. men’s national team assistant coach. United is expected to name Tom Soehn as their new coach. The transition shouldn’t be too difficult for the team, as Soehn has been Nowak’s right hand man on the bench for the last three years.

Nowak’s departure doesn’t come as a complete surprise. His name was tossed around in the USMNT head coaching rumor mill, and his ties to Bob Bradley, the man that eventually filled that vacancy, are strong — Nowak won an MLS Cup while playing under Bradley’s Chicago Fire.

Though Nowak’s coaching record is stellar, he has certainly had his detractors. He came under fire for refusing to change United’s 3-5-2 formation in the wake of defensive struggles. United’s second half swoon this season was partially blamed on Nowak’s mismanagement of his players’ fitness levels.

We simply cannot ignore the man’s record of success, however. He leaves MLS with a gaudy 42-27-25 record over three seasons to go with three playoff appearances, a Supporter’s Shield, and an MLS Cup. His tumultuous relationship with wayward star Freddy Adu is probably more the fault of the petulant teenager than it is of the authoritative coach. His fiery personality made him one of the U.S. soccer’s true characters. Though his tone remained soft at press conferences, there was a palpable sense of danger lurking beneath the surface. You’d want him on your side in a fight.

Good luck with the National Team, Peter, we’ll miss you.

Photo from D.C. United team web site