After a disappointing Worlds finish, Counter-Logic Gaming have released coach Chris “Blurred Limes” Ehrenreich.
After several disappointing endings to their North American runs in 2014 and early 2015, Counter-Logic Gaming implemented a more traditional coaching staff with several responsibilities being delegated to different members. Ehrenreich took over as the team’s Head Coach, managing the team’s overall attitude and gameplan, rather than the specifics of strategy. And while CLG performed impressively this split, with their first ever North American LCS title in the books, gained over long-time rival Team Solomid, their performance during the second week of the Worlds group stages left much to be desired.
According to a press released by the team, the decision to have Ehrenreich step down was not an easy one. Devin “Mylaxia” Nash stated that they had worked for months to improve the relationship between Ehrenreich and the team, but that it was unsuccessful. “The decision to ask a staff member to step down is never simple. Chris and I worked together for several months on a transparent improvement plan to keep his relationship with the company on track. The nature of that plan is confidential to respect Chris. The results of it led to unsatisfactory outcomes and our eventual request for him to step down.” Nash went on to commend Ehrenreich’s commitment to improvement, and his attitude when stepping down.
This isn’t the first big shakeup for CLG in the offseason, either. As they move former substitute mid-laner Choi “HuHi” Jae-hyun to the starting role, they are clearly looking to amplify their momentum and maintain their hold on the top of the LCS that they claimed this split. Whether they continue with diversifying their coaching roles among many parties remains to be seen, as well as who will replace Ehrenreich as the team’s Head Coach.
