FC Cincinnati are focused on the short term in their search for a new head coach.
Cincy have been led by Yoann Damet on an interim basis since dismissing Alan Koch at the beginning of May. Damet has gone 1-6-0 in seven MLS matches thus far.
"We need in this moment a short-term solution," Nijkamp told reports on a media conference call Friday. "We'll think about this season with an extension of next season, 18-months appointment of a head coach."
Nijkamp added that he has trimmed the shortlist of eight candidates to one, indicating that a hire may be on the horizon.
"We're thinking about an 18-month contract," Nijkamp said."It's more a coach that'll help us come through the moments going to the stadium in the West End. ... This season six months, then we'll evaluate how we succeed and if we see enough potential to extend the contract for another season we'll make it another 12 months."
With the club set to move into their new West End Stadium in the 2021 season, Nijkamp is looking for stability in the interim and flexibility for the future. He's also not worried about the short nature of the deal limiting candidates.
"We received a lot of emails and phone calls from agents for high-profile coaches who want to come to FC Cincinnati," Nijkamp said. "They believe in the project, they see what's happening with our stadium and our city."
Nijkamp was appointed general manager at the end of May.
