Caleb Porter Out as Portland Timbers Coach

After a season in which the Timbers finished top of the Western Conference, Porter's decision will certainly come as a surprise to many in Portland.

Caleb Porter's time in Portland is over.

The Portland Timbers confirmed a Thursday night report from FourFourTwo that stated that the MLS Cup-winning manager and the club have mutually agreed to part ways. Porter led the Timbers to the 2015 MLS Cup title and had an overall record of 68-50-52 in five seasons.

"During Caleb’s five seasons with our club, we reached new heights and accomplished great things together. His commitment, passion and talent were essential in bringing many on-field successes to our supporters, our club and our city, most notably our first MLS Cup. More than that, he has been a friend whom I have enjoyed working with,” Timbers owner Merritt Paulson said in a statement. “I respect Caleb’s decision to seek his next challenge. He leaves Portland with a lasting legacy valued by everyone associated with the club, and I wish him nothing but success in the future."

The development comes as a surprise as Portland finished first in the Western Conference this season before falling to the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference semifinals after a slew of injuries plagued the squad.

“My goal in taking the Timbers job was to lead the club to new heights and to win things that had never been done by the organization,” Porter said. “Looking back and reflecting on my time with the Timbers, I am very proud of the results we all achieved and I know that joining the club in 2013 was one of the best decisions of my life."

Where Porter goes will likely be a large talking point during the offseason, as he is one of the most accomplished coaches in MLS in recent years. Intrigue also surrounds Portland, which has one of the great atmospheres in MLS and returns a squad packed with talent. 

The club indicated that its search for a replacement is already underway.