Three Managers That Should be on Columbus Crew's Shortlist | OneFootball

With Wilfried Nancy finalizing a deal to become the new Celtic head coach, the Columbus Crew are suddenly in the manager market with arguably most desirable openings in MLS. There are a bunch of names that will be interested in this opening, but here are three names that could be both the best, and realistic, options to land in Columbus.

Jim Curtin - Former Philadelphia Union Manager

Jim Curtin should be one of the first calls the Crew make. After surprisingly parting ways with Philadelphia last offseason, Curtin has been patient and selective as he waits for the right job. Columbus might be that job.

Tactically, Curtin would bring a very different look from Nancy. He rarely used a three-center-back setup, instead preferring a 4-1-2-1-2 (diamond) shape. His Union teams rarely dominated possession, last season holding just 46.9% of the ball. But ,they are usually extremely organized, disciplined, and efficient on both sides.

The biggest selling point, though? Player development. Curtin helped shape some of MLS’s best young talent, including Brenden Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty. With Columbus' rising academy, Curtin could be a great coach to develop them. Curtin also wanted to use more older and in-prime players late in his time in Philadelphia, and Columbus is a great place to mix both youth and experience.

The only question: would he say yes? Curtin has already turned down multiple opportunities over the past year, proving he won't take the job unless it is a perfect fit for both him and his family.

Yoann Damet - Columbus Crew Assistant

If Columbus wants continuity, Yoann Damet should be near the top of the shortlist. The 35-year-old has been one of MLS’s rising assistants since joining the Crew in 2023, and he already has head-coaching experience from previous interim stints with FC Cincinnati. He also briefly managed LA Galaxy II before joining their first-team staff

Damet primarily leans toward a 4-3-3 but has shown he can adjust, including using back-three systems when needed. After three years working under Nancy, he knows the nuances of the 3-4-2-1 as well as anyone. If the Crew want to preserve the tactics and development structure Nancy built, Damet could be the best option.

There’s also the cultural fit: the French connection in Columbus has grown during Nancy’s tenure, and Damet is already deeply tied into that.

Laurent Courtois - Former CF Montreal / Columbus Crew 2 Manager

A reunion with Laurent Courtois makes a lot of sense. Courtois was the first head coach in Columbus Crew 2 history and immediately turned the club into a powerhouse. He led the team to the MLS Next Pro title in Year 1 and took them back to the final in Year 2.

Tactically, Courtois shares many similarities with Nancy. Both prefer a 3-4-2-1 and possession-based buildup, though Courtois’ teams typically didn’t control the ball quite as much. He fits with the identity that Columbus has built over the last few seasons, and has seen it first hand, inside the organization.

His brief stint as CF Montréal manager ended quickly after a rough start to the 2025 season, a decision widely criticized and even described by Nancy as part of Montréal’s identity. Despite the firing, Courtois’ stock remains strong. St. Louis could very well be his next destination, especially with his connection to former Crew 2 GM Corey Wray, but the Columbus job could be the one that truly fits him.

Other Names Considered: Ante Razov (LAFC Assistant), Giovanni Savarese (Former Portland Timbers Manager), Ben Pirmann (Charleston Battery), Danny Cruz (Louisville City FC), Kelvin Jones (San Diego Assistant)

Whether the Crew hire a proven MLS coach, a current assistant, or a similar face that was previously in the club, they are positioned to attract a lot of coaches around the world. Whoever they hire will show the ambition of this club, and where ownership and the front office see this team heading into 2026.