With reports circulating that Wilfried Nancy is being targeted by Celtic, Columbus Crew supporters are bracing themselves for the possibility of a major transition on the touchline.
Nancy has been transformative in Columbus, leading the Crew with his signature positional play, fluid attacking movement, and a culture-first approach that revitalised the club. If Nancy does depart, Columbus will immediately become one of the most attractive coaching vacancies in Major League Soccer thanks to a strong roster core, elite facilities, and a stable front office.
Below are the three best candidates for the Columbus Crew head coaching job, each bringing a distinct profile that aligns with what the club has built under Nancy. These names combine proven MLS success, tactical continuity potential, and long-term project upside – qualities that will matter most if Columbus is forced to move on quickly.
Jim Curtin – The Proven MLS Builder
Few names in MLS coaching carry more respect than Jim Curtin. The longtime Philadelphia Union manager has consistently gotten elite results while working with less. If the Crew are looking for a consistent club philosophy, Curtin instantly becomes one of the top candidates for the Columbus Crew head coaching job.
Curtin’s Union sides have been defined by defensive structure. A trait that is the polar opposite of the offensive-minded Nancy. However, the high-energy pressing, and an emphasis on developing young players that Curtain is known for matches well with the Crew’s long-term philosophy. The Crew’s academy pipeline and Curtain’s familiarity with MLS would be key factors that would allow him to hit the ground running if Curtain were to be onboarded.
Most importantly, Curtin is a culture-builder. His track record of maximising internal talent and maintaining locker room cohesion makes him one of the most appealing options available. He was the manager who unlocked Gazdag in Philly. Can he do it again in Columbus? If the Crew’s priority is sustained competitiveness and experience at the highest level of MLS, Curtin offers a ready-made solution.
Laurent Courtois – The Story With Crew Roots
If Columbus prefers continuity, Laurent Courtois stands out as one of the best candidates for the Columbus Crew head coaching job. A former Crew 2 head coach who led the reserve side to an MLS NEXT Pro title, Courtois already understands the Nancy’s philosophy, club infrastructure, and long-term development goals.
His recent work with CF Montréal showed his potential as a first-team manager. He has been described as a more Nancy version of Wilfried Nancy in that he is committed to possession-oriented football and player development. Courtois’ tactical ideas make him a logical hire if the Crew prioritise system consistency, but he was largely unsuccessful in his first stint as a head coach.
With familiarity, internal respect, and growing MLS experience, Courtois may be a budget hire that is a known commodity.
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Pellegrino Matarazzo – The Stretch Pick with a Touch of Home
A compelling outside-the-box candidate for the Columbus Crew head coaching job is Pellegrino Matarazzo. The former Hoffenheim manager is one of the few American coaches with European experience.
Born in New Jersey and developed in the U.S. soccer system before making the leap to Germany, he could be a good blend of American pragmatism with the tactical sophistication of the German Bundesliga.
Matarzzano emphasises a structured buildup with intelligent pressing triggers and fluid positions that really fit well with the Crew’s identity under Nancy.
This would be a chance for him to get his managerial career reset while bringing a foreign pedigree to the MLS. As a forward-thinking coach with international experience he may be a stretch for the Crew. But what better time to go all-in than now and elevate the club’s profile.
Final Thoughts
If Wilfried Nancy does depart for Celtic, the Columbus Crew will face their most significant decisions since the sale of Cucho. The Crew can’t afford to miss on this hire. And they can’t afford to wait with a short offseason and a quick turnaround.
The shortlist of candidates for the Columbus Crew head coach job no doubt include all three of these. But it is up to Issa Tall to find the blend of experience, identity continuity, and competitive upside.
No matter which direction the front office takes, this decision will shape the next chapter of Columbus Crew soccer.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date: 03.05.2025
