The Overwatch League’s Houston Outlaws have a new coach.
Former Dallas Fuel coach Kyle Souder has joined the organization, according to the Houston Outlaws. Souder has been working with the team for a while now, prompting speculation that the coach had switched Texas teams. His coaching duties were all but confirmed when Souder posted a link to his Overwatch World Cup committee application early this week, where he wrote that he’s currently a coach for his old teams’ rival, the Houston Outlaws.
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Souder previously worked with Houston players Jake Lyon, Matt “coolmatt” Iorio, and Shane “Rawkus” Flaherty as part of the United States’ Overwatch World Cup team in 2017.
Souder was released from Dallas Fuel in mid-April. Souder was widely blamed by fans for Dallas’ struggles, though owner Mike Rufail said there was much “beyond his control.” Souder joined Team Envy in March 2016 and coached the team through Overwatch Contenders, OGN Overwatch Apex, and into the Overwatch League as Dallas Fuel. The team’s struggles began at the start of the Overwatch League season.
Controversy has marred Dallas’ record in the Overwatch League, with Félix “xQc” Lengyel’s release from the team following multiple punishments, Son “OGE” Min-seok’s suspension, and Timo “Taimou” Kettunen’s fine.
Houston Outlaws fare better in the Overwatch League than Dallas Fuel right now, as the team sits in eighth place, outside the stage three playoff cutoff. Dallas Fuel remains in 11th, just ahead of the winless Shanghai Dragons.
