Another blow for the struggling Montreal Impacts

Marc Dos Santos resigned as head coach of the Montreal Impact on Tuesday. He will be replaced on an interim basis by sporting director Nick De Santis.

The Impact are in their final season in the North American Soccer League before progressing to Major League Soccer next year.

Club President Joey Saputo said in a statement that he accepts the resignation because the team is having a difficult time during an important year. He said De Santis is in a better position as head coach to end the year on a good note and evaluate players.

Dos Santos replaced John Limniatis as head coach in May of two thousand and nine and led the team to a United Soccer League title in his first season. De Santis has coached the squad for four years prior to that while also winning a championship in his first year.

Also remaining on the staff are assistant coaches Youssef Dahha, Gil Orriols-Jansana and Mauro Biello. 

De Santis will coach his first game Wednesday night at home against the Puerto Rico Islanders.