[MLS] Juergen Klinsmann isn’t getting back into coaching just yet. The German who resides in Southern California has been hired as a consultant by Toronto FC -- the MLS club that draws big crowds but has never reached the playoffs in its four years in the league.

Klinsmann, whose playing career included World Cup and European Championship titles with Germany, coached Germany to third place at the 2006 World Cup it hosted in his first coaching stint.

He was a candidate in 2006 for the U.S. coaching job that went to Bob Bradley, and in September Klinsmann said he was courted again this year but didn’t take the job because he wasn’t guaranteed enough authority.

There had been speculation that he might end up as Chivas USA coach, which recently sacked Martin Vasquez.

Instead, Klinsmann and his company, SoccerSolutions, will serve as advisors to Toronto FC.
           
“We’re honored to work with a football icon like Juergen and to have access to his wealth of experience and expertise to evaluate our current operations and support our team’s development,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, as quoted on the club’s official Web site.
           
Anselmi said that Klinsmann will work closely with Interim Director of Soccer Earl Cochrane and Assistant General Manager Jim Brennan.

“Juergen’s knowledge of the game and track record of international success, combined with Earl and Jim’s experience will allow us to objectively look at everything from players to people to processes and conduct a comprehensive search for new leadership," added Anselmi.

In September, Toronto fired head coach Preki and Director of Soccer Mo Johnston, who had overseen player personnel decisions since the club's launch.