A pair of Burlingame Dragons FC executives have taken the next step in their careers, as former Vice President Mike Jenkins has accepted a role as Vice President of Operations with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC and former Head Coach Eric Bucchere has joined Reno 1868 FC as an assistant coach.

Both Bucchere and Jenkins have been a part of the Dragons' staff since the franchise's inaugural season in 2015, helping Burlingame earn a Southwest Division title in the first campaign and reach the PDL Western Conference Semifinals in both years.

"We wish Mike the very best of luck at Phoenix Rising FC," Dragons FC President Jordan Gardner said. "He did an outstanding job in his time with the Dragons, and was a big part of the success we had both on and off the field. I know Brett Johnson, Berke Bakay and the other Phoenix Rising FC owners will be pleased to add such a dedicated and hard working individual to their front office."

"We also wish Eric the best of luck with his move to Reno 1868," Gardner added. "Andy Smith [Reno 1868 General Manager] and Ian Russell [Reno 1868 Coach] have already made some excellent signings, and I expect big things from them in their inaugural season."

Among his duties with Rising FC, Jenkins will oversee match day operations and manage venue operations.

Bucchere joins Ian Russell's coaching staff ahead of the 2017 USL regular season. Russell and Bucchere both served with the Earthquakes Youth Academy. Bucchere served with the Under-16 and U-18 teams, while Russell was an assistant coach for the MLS club for eight seasons and briefly served as the academy's technical director.

“I look forward to working with Eric [Bucchere],” said Russell. “He did a great job with the Earthquakes U-16 and U-18 academies and I believe we will work well together.”