Fnatic parts ways with Valorant head coach Mini

European organization Fnatic has parted ways with Valorant head coach Jacob “Mini” Harris after two years with the team, it was announced today. 

Mini played an integral part in the team’s success. Most notably, with the scouting of talent in the European region, such as Emir “Alfajer” Ali Beder and Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev, both of whom went on to become the best players in the world for a period of time. 

He led the team alongside in-game leader Jake “Boaster” Howlett to several championship victories, with two major trophies this year. 

I noted to FNATIC around 6 months ago that there was a good chance I wouldn't be re-signing next year as a Head Coach, in search for a better work-life balance.

Whilst conversations continue with FNATIC to figure out a suitable future, my contract has ended so I will also be… pic.twitter.com/bJW8bK33sj

— FNATIC mini (@minijake_) September 11, 2023

Mini leaves Fnatic, citing work-life balance 

Mini cited the reasoning for his departure to be the work-life balance that comes with the job. 

As the head coach for one of the best teams in the game, the workload was taking away from personal life. In a statement, he said that he wants to be ‘More Jacob Harris and less Mini.’ 

Mini said that he would likely take up an opportunity in management again if it meant he could spend more time outside of the game. 

“I noted to FNATIC around 6 months ago that there was a good chance I wouldn’t be re-signing next year as a Head Coach, in search for a better work-life balance,” he said.

 “Whilst conversations continue with FNATIC to figure out a suitable future, my contract has ended so I will also be looking at offers from other teams. The roles I would be most interested in are assistant coaching or GMing, I am open to exploring other roles if it made sense.” 

Mini said he’s been “struggling” with the decision for some time, but praised his team and Boaster, in particular, in a follow-up Tweet. 

I know this seems like a weird time to make such a decision but I've been struggling with it for some time. I'll figure out how a way to share how/why I made this decision in a longer format… but maybe I'll just do an AMA?

ps big shout-out to this dweeb, this year was a lot… pic.twitter.com/UiOlW4iGKK

— FNATIC mini (@minijake_) September 11, 2023

Fnatic will be in search of a new head coach moving forward next year, with several candidates lined up, according to the team director for Fnatic.