Galaxy’s New Owners Stick With Zambrano

Octavio Zambrano will be retained as coach of the Galaxy by the team’s new owners, it was announced Monday.

When Tim Leiweke was named Galaxy president Oct. 23, he said he would begin a review of all team employees, expressing disappointment over the Galaxy’s elimination in the Western Conference finals by the eventual MLS champion Chicago Fire.

“Throughout the process we heard positive things about Octavio,” Leiweke said in a conference call. “There was nothing steering us away from allowing him to continue his fine work.”

Leiweke said the review process included three meetings with Zambrano, and conversations with “a lot of people around the league, community and sport.”

Leiweke got the Galaxy post after the team’s purchase by Anschutz Sports Enterprises for $26 million. That group also owns the Kings and Staples Center.

Leiweke is also president of the Kings and Staples Center.

Zambrano has been with the Galaxy since its inception in 1996, serving as assistant coach during the MLS inaugural season. When the Galaxy began the 1997 season 3-9 under Lothar Osiander, Zambrano was named interim coach, leading the team to a 13-7 record. He signed a two-year contract as coach after that season.

Leiweke also selected Dan Beckerman as the Galaxy’s chief financial officer.