Overview
The Head of Coaching and Individual Player Development plays a critical role in advancing the club's strategy for coach education and player development. This position works closely with all coaches and players across the Columbus Crew, with a particular focus on emerging talent. The role is responsible for mentoring Academy coaching staff, enhancing the club's coaching framework, and continuously evolving the Columbus Crew Game Model.
Key Responsibilities:
Coaching Leadership
· Lead curriculum development, emphasizing principles of play, One Club methodologies, and shared coaching language.
· Collaborate with the Technical Director and Academy Director to develop and maintain coaching guides that align with each stage of player development.
· Provide ongoing mentorship and conduct monthly performance reviews for Academy coaches, ensuring alignment with the club's coaching philosophy.
· Contribute daily to the club's coaching methodology, periodization, training design, and competitive match planning.
· Work regularly with all Academy teams and identified First Team emerging talents, focusing on individual player development through training and match evaluation.
· Develop and manage an annual calendar for player development and technical meetings in partnership with the Technical Director and Academy Director.
· Collaborate with the Analysis Department to build and maintain a video and data library that supports the coaching curriculum.
Individual Player Development
· Lead and oversee the implementation of the Individual Development Plans (IDP) for Academy players and emerging talents.
· Manage the club-wide IDP process, ensuring consistency, accountability, and measurable player progress.
· Oversee the execution of IDP programming for the club's highest-potential emerging talents.
· Integrate individual development plans into training sessions and the broader coaching curriculum, including position-specific, unit-specific, and team-specific development objectives.
· Partner with relevant departments to establish developmental priorities and deliver consistent, actionable player feedback.
· Foster a culture that prioritizes individual growth, self-improvement, and continuous performance feedback.
Leadership and Collaboration
· Serve as a member of the Academy Management Team.
· Identify and recommend opportunities to enhance coach education and individual player development programs.
· Support additional projects and responsibilities as required to meet the organization's evolving needs.
· Maintain strong working relationships with MLS and U.S. Soccer coaching and player development departments.
Qualifications
· U.S. Soccer (or equivalent) A License required; Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) preferred.
· Minimum of five years of experience working within a professional academy environment.
· Experience in coach education, mentorship, or coaching development roles.
· Strong understanding of player development principles and contemporary development methodologies.
· Advanced tactical knowledge and the ability to effectively apply coaching concepts in practical environments.
· Proficient in modern technology, including automation, visualization and database products.
· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to deliver concise, meaningful feedback and progress reports.
· Proven ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships across multiple departments.
· Exceptional attention to detail, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
· Strong listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.
· Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a positive, high-performance mindset aligned with a winning culture.