Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid underwent partial knee replacement surgery earlier this week.
The 60-year old former Columbus Crew boss had the procedure on Tuesday and will be deputised by assistant coach Brian Schmetzer until he is back on deck.
"It's a great opportunity for Brian," Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson said. "I think he'd be a great head coach in this league one day. We really don't miss a beat when he takes over."
The Sounders, who currently sit 11th on the overall MLS table, next take on bottom-placed DC United on July 3.