:List of Columbus Crew head coaches

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Image:Tom Fitzgerald Memorial.jpg. Fitzgerald is the winningest head coach in Crew history.]]

The Columbus Crew is a professional soccer team in the United States. The team is a member of the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, the top professional soccer league of the United States and Canada. The Crew has had nine different head coaches since joining the league in 1996, one of whom served only in an interim capacity. Timo Liekoski, the only Finnish head coach in MLS history, was the first head coach in 1996, but started 6–16 with just 14 points in its first 22 games, lowest in the league by seven points, and was fired midseason to be replaced by Tom Fitzgerald, who would lead the Crew to the playoffs, amassing 7 wins, 2 draws, and a single loss after taking over for Timo Liekoski.{{Cite web |date=1996-08-02 |title=Liekoski Resigns as Coach of Columbus Crew |url=https://apnews.com/article/6a2e48715c14a10880f6557624a52846 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626225732/https://apnews.com/article/6a2e48715c14a10880f6557624a52846 |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Parks |first=Brad |date=1996-08-10 |title=UNITED WILL MEET A DIFFERENT CREW |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/08/10/united-will-meet-a-different-crew/6f061dea-44c4-4aa5-965b-2767d8e480b7/ |url-status=live |access-date=2023-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626230104/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/08/10/united-will-meet-a-different-crew/6f061dea-44c4-4aa5-965b-2767d8e480b7/ |archive-date=2023-06-26 |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite web |title=1996 Columbus Crew Stats, All Competitions |url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/529ba333/1996/Columbus-Crew-Stats |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=FBref.com |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007012159/https://fbref.com/en/squads/529ba333/1996/Columbus-Crew-Stats |url-status=live }}

Tom Fitzgerald would take the Crew to the finals of the 1998 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.{{Cite web |last=Hakala |first=Josh |date=1998-10-31 |title=1998 US Open Cup results |url=https://thecup.us/1998/10/31/1998-us-open-cup-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627002420/https://thecup.us/1998/10/31/1998-us-open-cup-results/ |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=thecup.us |language=en-US}} Fitzgerald is the club's leader in career wins (86) and playoff wins (nine), and is tied with Gregg Berhalter for first in playoff appearances (four).{{cite web|title=2011 Columbus Crew Media Guide|url=http://mlsdigitalpr.drupalgardens.com/sites/mlsdigitalpr.drupalgardens.com/files/2011%20Columbus%20Crew%20Media%20Guide.pdf|pages=89–95|publisher=Columbus Crew|access-date=November 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425080107/http://mlsdigitalpr.drupalgardens.com/sites/mlsdigitalpr.drupalgardens.com/files/2011%20Columbus%20Crew%20Media%20Guide.pdf|archive-date=April 25, 2012}} On May 17, 2001, it was announced that Fitzgerald would be let go by the team.{{Cite web |date=2001-05-18 |title=Fitzgerald fired as coach of MLS Crew |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-05-18-0105180095-story.html |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007012207/https://playlist.stnvideo.com/player/data/index.php?cmd=loadInitial&session=BKv4OT5ItcJQH5mP&instance=198760552&version=STN-5.0.156&age=241007&type=FULL&EXTREF=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagotribune.com%2F2001%2F05%2F18%2Ffitzgerald-fired-as-coach-of-mls-crew%2F&REF=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagotribune.com%2F2001%2F05%2F18%2Ffitzgerald-fired-as-coach-of-mls-crew%2F&ogSet=1&ESG_key=wQoDAMss |url-status=live }}

Greg Andrulis, who replaced Tom Fitzgerald as head coach on an interim basis after the firing of Fitzgerald, became the full-time head coach of the Crew on Oct. 25, 2001.{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |date=2023-08-12 |title=Crew ink head coach Andrulis for 2005 {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/crew-ink-head-coach-andrulis-2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812030704/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/crew-ink-head-coach-andrulis-2005 |archive-date=2023-08-12 |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}} He achieved a significant milestone by leading the Columbus Crew to their first major tournament victory in 2002, winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.{{Cite web |last=Connolly |first=Marc |date=2002-11-01 |title=ESPN.com - SOCCER - U.S. Open Cup alive and well |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/s/2002/1025/1450977.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626231858/https://www.espn.com/soccer/s/2002/1025/1450977.html |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=www.espn.com}}{{Cite web |date=2002-10-25 |title=U.S. OPEN CUP: Garcia goal gives Columbus title |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/9471/us-open-cup-garcia-goal-gives-columbus-title.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626231508/https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/9471/us-open-cup-garcia-goal-gives-columbus-title.html?msclkid=81624e80c0ce11ecb09a05d9dd0b1588 |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=www.socceramerica.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sharrett |first=Cody |date=2012-05-29 |title=Martino reflects on 2002 US Open Cup victory {{!}} Columbus Crew |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/martino-reflects-2002-us-open-cup-victory |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626232052/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/martino-reflects-2002-us-open-cup-victory |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |language=en}} In 2004, under Andrulis' guidance, the team won the Supporters' Shield for having the best regular-season record, while also winning an individual award; MLS Coach of the Year, the first time a Crew head coach won the honor.{{cite web|title=Crew runs unbeaten streak to 18 and wins Supporters' Shield after 1-1 tie at Colorado|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3093715|date=October 17, 2004|publisher=OurSports Central|access-date=November 18, 2011|archive-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007012214/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=criteoPrebidAdapter&topUrl=www.oursportscentral.com&gpp=|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-06-26 |title=2004 Supporters' Shield {{!}} MLSsoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2004/supporters-shield |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626232936/https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2004/supporters-shield |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-08-12 |title=Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year Winners {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sigi-schmid-coach-of-the-year-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812031130/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sigi-schmid-coach-of-the-year-winners |archive-date=2023-08-12 |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}} However, Andrulis, who had been with the team since 1997 as an assistant, was fired during the halfway point of the 2005 season, with assistant coach Robert Warzycha taking over for the remainder of the season on an interim basis.{{cite news|last=Danborn|first=Joe|title=Crew fire Andrulis as Coach|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/crew/2005-07-12-andrulis-firing_x.htm|date=July 12, 2005|newspaper=USA Today}}{{Cite web |author1-last=Svoboda |author1-first=Jeff |date=2005-07-11 |title=Crew's Andrulis fired, Warzycha takes over |url=https://www.thelantern.com/2005/07/crews-andrulis-fired-warzycha-takes-over/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626233350/https://www.thelantern.com/2005/07/crews-andrulis-fired-warzycha-takes-over/ |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=The Lantern |language=en-US}}

When Sigi Schmid began the 2006 season, it was the first time since the team's founding that a new coach took over in the off-season. He coached the team from 2006 through 2008 and implemented an offense based on ball possession and flank speed, focusing on a cautious, strategic style rather than taking unnecessary risks, and centered on roaming playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Shawn |date=2008-10-26 |title=Team-first attitude produces turnaround |url=http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/10/26/crew26.ART_ART_10-26-08_C5_EMBN4BN.html?sid=101 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130208034425/http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/10/26/crew26.ART_ART_10-26-08_C5_EMBN4BN.html |archive-date=2013-02-08 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=The Columbus Dispatch}}{{Cite web |date=2008-11-24 |title=Schmid rides emotional rollercoaster to MLS title |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/schmid-rides-emotional-rollercoaster-mls-054000605--mls.html |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}} Those tactics, along with solid defensive play, which was crucial for gaining possession and creating attacking opportunities, led Columbus to its first MLS Cup championship in 2008, a season in which he also won MLS Coach of the Year, the most recent Crew coach to have won the award.{{cite web|title=Crew caps historic dream season with storybook ending in MLS Cup 2008|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3744757|date=November 26, 2008|publisher=OurSports Central|access-date=November 18, 2011|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610221818/http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3744757|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-06-26 |title=MLS Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sigi-schmid-coach-of-the-year-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626234340/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sigi-schmid-coach-of-the-year-winners |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Bell |first=Jack |date=2008-11-23 |title=Crew Defeats Red Bulls to Win M.L.S. Cup |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/sports/soccer/24mls.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626234723/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/sports/soccer/24mls.html |archive-date=2023-06-26 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |date=2008-11-22 |title=Old turf, new crew |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-nov-22-sp-schmid22-story.html |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} After that season, Schmid left to coach the newly formed Seattle Sounders FC, and former player and assistant coach Robert Warzycha replaced him.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Shawn |date=2008-12-22 |title=Crew stays in-house in hiring Warzycha |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2008/12/23/crew-stays-in-house-in/23996614007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812033340/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2008/12/23/crew-stays-in-house-in/23996614007/ |archive-date=2023-08-12 |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}

Warzycha was the Crew's head coach from 2009 to 2013, and started his run as head coach 0–2–5 for five points. Columbus finished the 2009 season as Supporter's Shield winners, but bowed out in the 2009 Conference semifinals against Real Salt Lake, with Warzycha making the controversial decision to bench Guillermo Barros Schelotto in game one of the series.{{Cite web |last=Lalas |first=Greg |date=2010-03-25 |title=2010 Columbus Preview |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/2010-columbus-preview |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007012200/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/2010-columbus-preview |url-status=live }} Discontent grew during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, with critics attributing the team's success to Schmid's roster while the Crew jettisoned well-known names to begin a rebuild, including Guillermo Barros Schelotto and captain Frankie Hejduk.{{Cite web |last=Merz |first=Craig |date=2011-03-22 |title=Faces of First Kick: Robert Warzycha {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/faces-first-kick-robert-warzycha |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}} Warzycha's vision for the team involved a more methodical buildup rather than the direct style they had played with Schelotto, as he believed that under Schelotto, the team relied too heavily on long balls and set pieces. Warzycha wanted more attacking opportunities for the wingers, which he found difficult with Schelotto playing as a withdrawn forward.{{Cite web |last=Merz |first=Craig |date=Mar 22, 2011 |title=Faces of First Kick: Robert Warzycha |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/faces-first-kick-robert-warzycha |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=mlssoccer |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007012201/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/faces-first-kick-robert-warzycha |url-status=live }} Columbus would make the playoffs in 2010 and 2011, but exited in the first round both times. Things worsened in 2012, as the Crew missed the playoffs by one point—the first time during Warzycha's tenure that the team would miss the playoffs. However, 2012 was not a total loss, as Central Ohio welcomed its newest Designated Player, Federico Higuaín.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Steve |date=2013-09-02 |title=With new, ambitious owners in Columbus, Robert Warzycha's hourglass never had much sand |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/with-new-ambitious-owners-in-columbus-robert-warzychas-hourglass-never-had-much-sand |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006070609/https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/with-new-ambitious-owners-in-columbus-robert-warzychas-hourglass-never-had-much-sand |url-status=live }} The 2013 season was lackluster once again. In the summer fans demonstrated their discontent by throwing pink slips during Warzycha's pre-game introductions, signaling a lack of support.{{Cite web |last=Arace |first=Michael |date=2013-07-04 |title=Michael Arace commentary: Crew fans' support for Warzycha is running out |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2013/07/04/michael-arace-commentary-crew-fans/24167494007/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007012206/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2013/07/04/michael-arace-commentary-crew-fans/24167494007/ |url-status=live }} The U.S. Open Cup during Warzycha's time was largely unforgettable, as the 2009 edition saw Columbus lose in their opening round to the Rochester Rhinos of Division II USL-1, the 2010 U.S. Open Cup saw Columbus make it to the final, losing to a Seattle Sounders team led by Sigi Schmid.{{Cite web |last=Clare |first=Steve |date=2010-10-06 |title=2010 US Open Cup Final: Record crowd sees Seattle Sounders become first repeat champion since 1983 |url=https://thecup.us/2010/10/06/2010-us-open-cup-final-seattle-sounders-first-club-to-repeat-as-open-cup-champions-since-1983/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=thecup.us |language=en-US |archive-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627012141/https://thecup.us/2010/10/06/2010-us-open-cup-final-seattle-sounders-first-club-to-repeat-as-open-cup-champions-since-1983/ |url-status=live }} The next two editions of the U.S. Open Cup after 2010 were both home losses in the opening round suffered by Division III clubs Richmond Kickers in 2011 and the Dayton Dutch Lions in 2012.{{Cite web |last=Jardy |first=Adam |date=May 30, 2012 |title=Crew bows out early in Open Cup again |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2012/05/30/crew-bows-out-early-in/23744360007/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007012244/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2012/05/30/crew-bows-out-early-in/23744360007/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2010-10-05 |title=Nyassi, Sounders top Crew, claim another USOC crown |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/nyassi-sounders-top-crew-claim-another-usoc-crown |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113200101/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/nyassi-sounders-top-crew-claim-another-usoc-crown |archive-date=2011-01-13 |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=mlssoccer.com}} The 2013 tournament saw the Crew eliminated in the fourth round by the Chicago Fire. On September 2, 2013, he was let go by the Crew, with Brian Bliss becoming the interim.{{Cite web |last= |date=September 2, 2013 |title=Crew parts ways with Head Coach Robert Warzycha {{!}} Columbus Crew |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/crew-parts-ways-head-coach-robert-warzycha |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626235247/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/crew-parts-ways-head-coach-robert-warzycha |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |language=en}} Warzycha's overall record of 70–59–41 leaves him tied with Tom Fitzgerald for the most regular-season wins as head coach of Columbus.

Gregg Berhalter was named as head coach as well as sporting director, overseeing all player personnel decisions on November 6, 2013.{{Cite web |last= |date=2013-11-06 |title=Crew names Gregg Berhalter Head Coach and Sporting Director {{!}} Columbus Crew |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/crew-names-gregg-berhalter-head-coach-and-sporting-director |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626224530/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/crew-names-gregg-berhalter-head-coach-and-sporting-director |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |language=en}} While with Columbus, Berhalter used a 4-2-3-1 formation and emphasized a style focused on ball possession and quick, offensive attacks aimed at breaking down defenses, stressing the importance of quick ball movement and positioning players effectively to achieve this. He also highlighted his desire for fullbacks to push forward and contribute to the attack frequently, while also applying pressure to quickly regain possession after losing the ball.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Andrew |date=Nov 7, 2013 |title=New boss Gregg Berhalter plans to emphasize speed, possession, pressing with Columbus Crew |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-boss-gregg-berhalter-plans-emphasize-speed-possession-pressing-columbus-crew |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=King |first=Andrew |date=Feb 27, 2015 |title=The Evolution of Gregg Berhalter: Columbus Crew SC's young Head Coach never stops learning |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/evolution-gregg-berhalter-columbus-crew-scs-young-head-coach-never-stops-learnin |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007012208/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/evolution-gregg-berhalter-columbus-crew-scs-young-head-coach-never-stops-learnin |url-status=live }} The Berhalter-coached Columbus Crew teams reached the MLS Cup Playoffs in four out of five seasons, and despite working with a salary budget that ranked in the league's lower half each year, Berhalter led the team to the 2015 MLS Cup Final,{{Cite web |last=CRANDALL |first=JEFF |date=2018-12-02 |title=Five Things to Know About U.S. MNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/12/five-things-to-know-about-us-mnt-head-coach-gregg-berhalter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627000828/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/12/five-things-to-know-about-us-mnt-head-coach-gregg-berhalter |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=www.ussoccer.com |language=en}} losing to the Portland Timbers, coached by Caleb Porter.

On January 4, 2019, the aforementioned Caleb Porter was named as head coach, after Gregg Berhalter left to coach the United States men's national soccer team.{{Cite web |last= |date=2019-01-04 |title=Columbus Crew SC names Tim Bezbatchenko as President and announces Caleb Porter as Head Coach {{!}} Columbus Crew |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-sc-names-tim-bezbatchenko-president-and-announces-caleb-porter-hea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626224510/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-sc-names-tim-bezbatchenko-president-and-announces-caleb-porter-hea |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2018-12-02 |title=Former USA defender Gregg Berhalter appointed to coach men's national team |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/02/former-usa-defender-gregg-berhalter-appointed-to-coach-mens-national-team |url-status=live |access-date=2023-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627005628/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/02/former-usa-defender-gregg-berhalter-appointed-to-coach-mens-national-team |archive-date=2023-06-27 |issn=0261-3077}} Porter led the Crew to its second MLS Cup championship, beating Seattle Sounders FC 3–0,{{Cite web |last=Bogert |first=Tom |date=2020-12-12 |title=Columbus Crew SC are 2020 MLS Cup champions: Second title in club history {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/columbus-crew-sc-are-2020-mls-cup-champions-second-title-club-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627010353/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/columbus-crew-sc-are-2020-mls-cup-champions-second-title-club-history |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}} as well as winning the 2021 Campeones Cup.{{Cite web |last=Nicholas Quillen |first=Ian |date=September 29, 2021 |title=Columbus Crew wins 2021 Campeones Cup with 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/recap-columbus-crew-wins-2021-campeones-cup-with-2-0-victory-over-cruz-azul |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011850/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/recap-columbus-crew-wins-2021-campeones-cup-with-2-0-victory-over-cruz-azul |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |language=en}} After not making the playoffs in either of the next two seasons after winning the championship, the Crew parted ways with Porter after the 2022 season.{{Cite web |last= |date=October 10, 2022 |title=Columbus Crew parts ways with Head Coach Caleb Porter {{!}} Columbus Crew |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-parts-ways-with-head-coach-caleb-porter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011019/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-parts-ways-with-head-coach-caleb-porter |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |language=en}}

On December 6, 2022, Wilfried Nancy was named as head coach, being hired away from CF Montréal.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Bailey |date=2022-12-06 |title='There is everything here to do something great': Wilfried Nancy introduced as Crew coach |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2022/12/06/wilfried-nancy-leaves-cf-montreal-to-become-columbus-crew-coach/69704543007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011715/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2022/12/06/wilfried-nancy-leaves-cf-montreal-to-become-columbus-crew-coach/69704543007/ |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}{{cite web |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Columbus Crew names Wilfried Nancy as Head Coach |url=https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-names-wilfried-nancy-as-head-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626225131/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-names-wilfried-nancy-as-head-coach |archive-date=2023-06-26 |access-date=December 6, 2022 |website=ColumbusCrew.com |publisher=Columbus Crew Press Release}} Columbus would conclude the 2023 regular season as the top-scoring team in MLS, marking the first instance in the franchise's history. Nancy would guide the Crew to an MLS Cup victory his first season in charge, beating the defending champions Los Angeles FC 2–1.{{Cite web |last=Sigal |first=Jonathan |date=2023-12-09 |title=CHAMPIONS! Columbus Crew lift MLS Cup 2023 over LAFC |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/champions-columbus-crew-lift-mls-cup-2023-over-lafc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218030841/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/champions-columbus-crew-lift-mls-cup-2023-over-lafc |archive-date=2023-12-18 |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}} With that victory, Nancy also became the first Black head coach in MLS history to win MLS Cup.{{Cite web |last=Sigal |first=Jonathan |date=2023-12-09 |title=Wilfried Nancy first Black coach to win MLS Cup: "I'm so proud" |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/wilfried-nancy-first-black-coach-to-win-mls-cup-i-m-so-proud |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229015616/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/wilfried-nancy-first-black-coach-to-win-mls-cup-i-m-so-proud |archive-date=2023-12-29 |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}