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Due to a pretty lackluster start to the Summer Split in the NA LCS, sources have said that Team Solo Mid’s head coach, Kim “SSONG” Sang-soo, has been demoted. Replacing him will be Ham “Lustboy” Jang-sik, who has been the assistant coach for TSM since last split. It seems that Lustboy will be the interim head coach and stage coach until the team finds a suitable replacement.

The news comes after a 0-2 weekend from Team Solo Mid, with losses against Clutch Gaming and Team Liquid. Several people noted that TSM had some questionable draft choices, especially against Clutch Gaming. Rumors began to spread after SSONG was no longer on the Riot Games Global Contract Database as TSM’s head coach. Instead, Lustboy was in his place on the GCD but was given the role of Support instead of Head Coach.

A List of TSM’s Troubles

Last Spring, Team Solo Mid had one of the worst season finishes in the team’s history. In fact, TSM’s start to its Spring Split was pretty sluggish as well. However, TSM was able to make the playoffs. There, Clutch Gaming would eliminate them in four games, surprising the entire League of Legends esports world. This would be the first time Team Solo Mid would not get to the NA LCS Finals in multiple seasons. The doubts of many would begin to grow from here on out.

This season, TSM would add rookie jungler Jonathan “Grig” Armao to alternate time with Mike “MikeYeung” Yeung, as an attempt to help shake the roster up. Although early in the Summer, TSM has not been looking as strong as before. Granted, the NA LCS does look stronger than its ever been, with new teams like 100 Thieves and Clutch Gaming making a push for the playoffs.

Source: LOLESPORTS FLICKR

Like we have said before, TSM has a reputation for having difficulty adapting to new metas. However, players not being able to communicate properly has been an underlying problem with the organization for a long time. Some of the blame lands on the players, but a lot of the blame can also land on the coach. A coach should be able to change a team’s culture and help mold a player into a better version of him or herself.

At the same time, it is only week two. The team is learning how to play with a rookie jungler, which can take some time. Last split, the team had a pretty strong showing after the halfway point of the season. Coach SSONG has been very good for other teams before. Zven and Mithy, who have been previously named “The Best Duo in the West”, have been playing subpar this season. I am not sure that coach SSONG is the biggest reason for Team Solo Mid’s shortcomings. However, we will have to see if replacing him with Lustboy will help produce better results next week.

What do you think of TSM demoting coach SSONG for Lustboy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! For more League of Legends news, visit us here!