Utah Warriors Head Coach Chris Latham Resigns, Shawn Pittman Named Interim Coach
Jan 14, 2021, 3:00 PM
Utah Warriors rugby team players practice a scrum at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Warriors announced the resignation of head coach Chris Latham and named Shawn Pittman the club’s interim head coach for the 2021 season.
The Warriors announced Latham’s resignation for “personal reasons” on Thursday, January 14.
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“Leaving the Warriors has not been an easy decision. I have the utmost respect for the organization, and I am proud of the progress the team has made in a short period of time,” Latham said in a statement. “The roster for 2021 has the talent and experience to be the MLR Champions, and I have no doubt that’s where the team will be at the end of the season with Shawn at the helm.”
Latham had been with the Warriors since 2019.
“I am grateful for what Chris did for the Warriors as our head coach. He dramatically changed the culture of the team during his short tenure,” said Kimball Kjar, CEO and GM of the Utah Warriors. “Under Chris’ leadership, we began to change the culture and attitude of this program and I believe, culminating with a hallmark win over the two-time MLR Champion Seattle Seawolves, typified this passion and pursuit of excellence that Chris was building within this team.”
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 —
We just made a HUGE coaching staff announcement. Check out our website for more information!https://t.co/OX7ZimcNzq— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) January 14, 2021
Pittman served under Latham as Utah’s assistant head coach since 2019.
His resume features more than 12 years of experience as a coach and player. Pittman coached during the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign and with the Seattle Seawolves leading to their inaugural MLR Championship in 2018.
Breaking news from @utwarriorsrugby for their 2021 coaching staff.
All the details » https://t.co/8ZXcZzPhbN#MLR2021 pic.twitter.com/72k907wu92
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) January 14, 2021
“I am honored the Warriors put their trust in me as the interim head coach. Chris Latham has left a legacy at the Warriors, and I intend to build on that,” Pittman said. “We have a strong, passionate team of athletes; I know we will make the Warriors Nation proud this season.”
In 2020, the Warriors posted two wins, two losses, and a draw before Major League Rugby season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
