The bizarre coaching situation unfolding at Toronto FC

So, let’s just make sure we have our facts and our timeline straight regarding the bizarre situation that has developed unraveled at Toronto FC.

Because it’s important to be sure we have everything sorted out just so before launching into the proper scolding, chiding, yukking-it-up and the general comeuppance.

(MORE: Much snarkiness flies as the Twitter world piles on)

• Kevin Payne was recently hired away from D.C. United to turn around the soccer operation at Toronto FC, where long-suffering fans have watched the organization stumble comically in competitive matters since first kick back in 2007. (Seriously, those fans deserve one really great video box set each, or some kick-ass Groupons … something!)
• Payne, with a spotted history of coaching hires at D.C. United, leaning on a trusting relationship with Ryan Nelsen that goes back more than a decade, talks the highly respected QPR defender into retiring as a player to take over as TFC manager.
• Payne dismisses Paul Mariner, who held the coaching post.
• This is where it gets weird.
• At the press conference today to introduce Nelsen as the new man in charge, the bottom falls out of this one. Completely.
• We learn that Nelsen will apparently remain in England, holding his spot along Queens Park Rangers back line until further notice.
• Uh, what!?
• Meanwhile, Bowdoin College coach (Yes, that Bowdoin College) Fran O’Leary will run the team. And will oversee the team’s selections in the Jan. 17 MLS Draft, apparently.
• And the MLS player combine down in Florida, where every other coach, GM, technical director, etc. will find themselves next week? Nah. Nelsen will be in London, dealing with the QPR mess rather than begin to sort out the TFC mess.
• Head scratching on a grand scale ensues.
• The obvious question for Payne, regarding Nelsen’s status at QPR, is this: “What did Payne know, and when did he know it?” Yes, it’s very Washington scandal-ish, isn’t it? Which is ironic, considering all of Payne’s years in Washington.
• I find myself feeling a little silly for writing this, applauding TFC’s coaching hire.
• At this point, I decide that my head hurts, and that I need a sandwich before dealing with this for another second.

Stay tuned for more … Because there certainly will be more to talk about here.