Revs introduce Heaps as coach

FOXBORO -- With team owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft looking on, Jay Heaps was named the sixth coach of the Revolution Wednesday in a news conference at Gillette Stadium, taking over for Steve Nicol, who was not brought back following a dismal 5-16-13 season. 

Two years after stepping away from the playing field following his 11-year Major League Soccer career, the 35-year-old former defender assumed his duties immediately after being introduced in Foxboro. 

“For more than a decade, Jay was as passionate, tough and tireless as any player who’s ever worn the Revolution jersey,” Revolution investor/operator Jonathan Kraft said. “During his Revs career, no one was more determined to win or revered for his work ethic and leadership, both on and off the field. We are excited that Jay will bring these characteristics, along with a keen intellect, to his new position as our head coach. He understands the team’s heritage and already has a connection with many of our players and fans.”

“I am thrilled to accept this position,” Heaps said. “Throughout my playing career and with my involvement with the team after I retired, I’ve made no secret about my commitment to the Revolution, and I’m honored to be entrusted with this responsibility as head coach. I’d like to thank the Kraft family, Brian Bilello and Mike Burns for believing in me, and in the vision I have for the club as we move ahead. We have a strong base to build on, but we also have a lot of work to do as we look ahead to 2012.”

Heaps anchored the Revolution’s defense from 2001 until his retirement at the close of the 2009 season. After his retirement, Heaps remained close to the club as an ambassador and color analyst on both its television and radio broadcasts, while working in the investment banking industry for Morgan Stanley.