Breaking News for Columbus Crew Fans
Columbus Crew made a big change today. Head coach Henrik Rydström is out, and Laurent Courtois will step in as the interim coach. General Manager Issa Tall explained that the team hasn’t achieved the success fans expect. With several matches left this season, they believe this shift will help them compete better.
Rydström came on board as head coach at the end of 2025 but started the 2026 season with a disappointing 3-7-4 record. The Crew currently sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, just four points behind playoff spots. This proves how tight the competition is in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Courtois knows the team well. He returned to Crew as First Team Assistant Coach earlier this year after leading CF Montréal to its first playoff appearance since 2022. Before that, he was the head coach of Crew 2, earning the MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Year award.
His coaching experience is impressive, but he also has a solid playing background. He has played for several teams in Europe and even helped the LA Galaxy II as a player/coach during its first season.
Additionally, the Crew has dismissed Assistant Coach Theodor Olsson and Analyst Mak Pakhei.
The Crew will play two important matches this week. First, they face New York City FC on May 20 in the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals. Shortly after, they host Atlanta United FC for their last game before the MLS takes a break for the FIFA World Cup.
The team’s journey this season highlights a key trend: how quickly fortunes can change in professional sports. A mid-season coaching change isn’t uncommon. For example, in 2022, the mid-season shift to new leadership propelled several MLS teams into playoff contention.
Fans are reacting on social media, sharing mixed feelings about the changes. Some are optimistic about Courtois leading the team, while others express frustration over the ongoing struggles.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Courtois and how he can steer the Crew towards a stronger finish. Stay tuned—it’s going to be an exciting chapter for Columbus Crew!
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