The San Jose Earthquakes fired Coach Lothar Osiander in the first major move by Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment, which took over operations of the team on Jan. 10. Former Dallas Burn coach Dave DirÆs name has surfaced as a potential replacement for Osiander. Earthquakes assistant coach, Joe Silveira, was also let go by the Earthquakes. Osiander, 61, had completed his first full season with the Earthquakes, compiling a 7-17-8 record. He posted a 2-1 record as head coach during the final three games of the 1999 season after taking over for Brian Quinn. Prior to joining the Earthquakes Osiander served as head coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy beginning in 1996, when the Galaxy captured the Western Conference title with a 19-13 record and was an MLS Cup finalist in the inaugural season. Osiander was fired from the Galaxy in June of 1997, 12 games into the season, after the Galaxy had stumbled to a 3-9 record. “After evaluating many factors, we felt we needed to make this change in order to get to the next level,” said Greg Elliott, who as vice president of corporate partnerships for SVS&E serves as the executive in charge of the Earthquakes. “The fit was not right for the future of this team. “This organization is ready to make positive strides this season both on and off the field and this change was necessary to move the organization in the right direction. We would like to thank Coach Osiander for his work with the San Jose Earthquakes. We wish Lothar the best in his future endeavors.” Osiander, who has also served as head coach of the United States national team (1986-88) and guided the U.S. entry in two Olympic Games (1988 and 1992), will now look to open a new chapter in his life, although he would like to stay involved with soccer. “I respect SVS&E’s decision to make a change,ö Osiander said. ôI appreciate having the opportunity to work with the Earthquakes, although I would have liked to have continued to be with the organization. I wish SVS&E and the Earthquakes the best of luck and I look forward to a continuing involvement with the game in some capacity.”