San Jose Earthquakes fire GM John Doyle, name Chris Leitch in interim

The San Jose Earthquakes have parted ways with their general manager, John Doyle. Technical director Chris Leitch has been named interim GM, the club said in a statement.

The Quakes have not won a match since a July 16 victory over Toronto FC and lost to Columbus on Saturday.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to John for his nine years of service with the team as general manager," Earthquakes president Dave Kaval said.

"He was an outstanding leader who helped relaunch the Earthquakes in 2007. We will be forever grateful for his contributions to the San Jose Earthquakes.

"At this time, we feel that the organization needs a fresh approach to our soccer operations. We believe that we have the players and coaching staff that can make a run at the playoffs and we are fully behind their efforts."

NEWS: #Quakes74 part ways with general manager John Doyle: https://t.co/2DXdblLIuD pic.twitter.com/FAbNFYUsW5

- San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) August 29, 2016

Doyle was part of the core team that helped relaunch the Quakes after the team's return from a two-year hiatus in 2007.

Under Doyle, a former player and assistant coach, the team made the playoffs two times and captured the Supporters' Shield with the best regular season record in MLS in 2012.

"I want to thank the Earthquakes ownership group and Dave Kaval for their support during my time at the Quakes," said Doyle. "I also want to thank the players, the coaches and front office staff for all their hard work every day to make this organization better."