COLUMBUS, OH – After three failed attempts to make the post-season, but capturing an MLS Cup and Campeones Cup, the Columbus Crew have parted ways with Head Coach Caleb Porter. This comes after the club failed to secure a 2022 MLS Cup playoff berth with their 2-1 loss to Orlando City SC on Decision Day.
In just four seasons, Porter recorded a 45-43-37 record with the Black & Gold, helping Columbus secure the 2020 MLS Cup, and the 2021 Campeones Cup. The search for a new head coach has commenced.
“This is not a decision we took lightly,” said Crew President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “I need to first and foremost thank Caleb for his tireless efforts for the Crew during his four seasons with the Club. He joined the club ahead of 2019 and provided steady leadershipat a critical moment of historic transition for the Crew. Caleb will forever be a part of Black & Gold history as the second star above our crest from 2020 is a testament to his contributionsand what we were able to bring home during a special year.”
Bezbatchenko continued, adding “We assessed the 2022 season as a whole and it’s clear that we fell short of our collective goals. Namely, our goal is to consistently contend for championships. This starts with making the playoffs and then securing a home match as a top-four team in the conference. We all share in the responsibility of the results and unmet objectivesthis season, including myself. As part of our evaluation, we believe that we have a talented core of our roster in place and felt we needed to make a change this offseason as we position ourselves for success in 2023 and beyond.”
“We would like to thank Caleb for his commitment and his leadership of our team. He holds a special place in our clubs history,” said Crew Investor-Operators Dee and Jimmy Hallam and Dr. Pete Edwards.
“We will forever be grateful for his hard work and guidance in perhaps the most unique circumstances while capturing the 2020 MLS Cup. We wish Caleb and his family only the best moving forward.”
As part of the announcement, Bezbatchenko confirmed that assistant coaches Pablo Moreira, Tim Hanley Eric Quill and Blair Gavin would not be returning to the Black & Gold in 2023. Gavin’s departure for a new coaching position was previously announced and Hanley’s contract is up at the end of 2022.
