The Columbus Crew SC on Wednesday began a new chapter as the team introduced its new coach, Caleb Porter.
New Crew SC Investor-Operators Dee Haslam, JW Johnson and Pete Edwards also spoke at the event.
You can re-watch the press conference below:
Porter joins The Crew SC after taking off the 2018 season after a five-year run with the Portland Timbers (2013-2017).
Before transitioning to the professional game, Porter earned his reputation as a winning coach by leading the Akron Zips (2006-2012) to the 2010 NCAA College Cup, as well as seven Mid-American Conference regular-season and four MAC Tournament championships.
Over his first 100 games with the Timbers, Porter compiled a 39-25-36 record and led the team to its first-ever playoff berth in 2013. During his five years with the Timbers, Porter led them to a record of 68-50-52 in the regular season and 5-3-4 in MLS Cup Playoffs matchups.
Additionally, Porter was the head coach of the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team from 2011-2012, and in 2014, Porter led the MLS All-Star Team to a 2-1 win over German Bundesliga stalwart club, Bayern Munich.
“I am honored to join Columbus Crew SC, a club with a rich history in Major League Soccer and a city with great appreciation for its beloved club dating back to 1996,” Porter said in a story posted on the Columbus Crew website announcing his hire, along with that of club president Tim Bezbatchenko.
“It is exciting to be part of the vision that The Edwards Family and The Haslam Family have in mind for Crew SC and I look forward to working closely with Tim to build on the success the team has had in recent years.”
In October, it was revealed that Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam were a part of an ownership group moving toward a deal to purchase the Columbus Crew.
Nearly two months later, Major League Soccer announced that an agreement in principle had been reached to complete the deal.
Teaming with Columbus physician Dr. Pete Edwards, the Haslams' new ownership group will assume operating control of the Crew in a deal that will keep the 22-year-old franchise in Ohio's capital city.
