USA Sevens guru Mike Friday departs after decade of service as Dawgs ‘on track for peaking’ at Los Angeles Olympics
USA Sevens head coach Mike Friday in 2015.
USA men’s Sevens head coach Mike Friday has announced that he will leave the program after 10 years of service that has seen a good deal more ups than downs.
Friday, who was appointed to the role in July 2014 after the squad had finished 13th on the World Rugby Sevens Series, helped spark a climb up the ladder.
USA would go on to finish sixth in his first year at the helm while their best ever finish was runner-up in 2019 as they became a major player on the Series.
Time to step away
Friday‘s final game came in the recent Olympic Rugby Sevens and he revealed that he had informed his team and staff of the exit at the start of the year.
“All good things must come to an end. After 10 years, 85 World Series tournaments, three Olympic games and two Rugby World Cup Sevens, it’s time to step away and be closer to my family and loved ones,” he told USA Rugby.
“A measured decision, and shared with the team six months ago.
“I arrived in the summer of 2014 to a program that was all but done and given less than 10% chance of Olympic qualification for Rio 2016 – my kind of odds! The journey has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs that I’m immensely proud to have been a part of.”
Friday is set to embark on new ventures and enjoy time with his family after a decade in charge, with USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren, praising the coach.
“The impact Mike has had on the sport of rugby, both in the USA and beyond is indelible,” he said.
“He has been instrumental in the growth of rugby sevens through the new Olympic era.
“On behalf of the organisation, I want to thank Mike for his dedication to the game, the players and community.
“We wish him the very best in his next chapter.”
Friday, who helped mould the likes of Madison Hughes, Folau Niua, Perry Baker, Danny Barrett and Carlin Isles, added on his tenure with the players and program: “It’s been a privilege to lead the program and I have loved every minute of the challenges on and off the pitch.
“The USA Sevens program now believes they belong and the world of rugby definitely no longer see the USA as just participants, but as credible contenders that are feared and respected worldwide.
“We conquered consistency in 2019 with the original Dawgs, ranked one of the best and most feared teams in the world. Unfortunately we fell short in Tokyo 2021 through the trials and tribulations of the COVID years.
On track for LA
“Whilst the team didn’t achieve their dreams in 2024, the current Dawgs are very much developing on a journey and on track for peaking in LA 2028. With consistency of support, continual care and guidance in place, who knows what this current pack of Dawgs are capable of.”
USA Rugby has confirmed the recruiting process for the next coach is set to begin, as Friday had one final message to those he’s worked with over the years.
“To all the Dawgs I have had the pleasure of running with, it’s been an absolute joy worrying day and night about you and your families; together watching you develop as rugby players and more importantly as men. I am proud to know you all and see how you have matured as humans, on and off the pitch. I have no doubt further success awaits all of you,” he said.
“To the staff, thank you for all your energy, commitment and hard work. I realise I pushed everyone of you hard and your selflessness throughout is a fantastic trait, especially at those dark times. It was never taken for granted by me.
“A special thanks goes out to the Golden Eagles, who have been the bedrock of the sevens programs this last decade. I hope the best for a continued relationship with USA Rugby as the organisation, players and supporters look forward to success in LA 2028.”
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