Jay Heaps Named New Revolution Head Coach

FOXBORO (CBS) - Longtime MLS defender Jay Heaps was named the new head coach of the New England Revolution on Tuesday.

"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," Revolution Investor/Operator Jonathan Kraft said in a statement on the team's website.

The 35-year-old Heaps becomes the sixth head coach in club history. He takes over for his former coach, Steve Nicol, who parted ways with the team in October after a 10-year run. The Revs finished 5-16-13 last season in Nicol's final year at the helm.

"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."

The longest tenured player in team history, Heaps holds franchise records in games played (243), starts (238) and minutes played (21,619).

He played his college ball at Duke before being drafted by the Miami Fusion in 1999. Before the 2001 season, the New Hampshire native was traded to the Revs and played in New England for the rest of his career, before retiring after the 2009 campaign.