Head of Coaching & Individual Development

Columbus Crew•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Head of Coaching and Individual Player Development advances the club’s strategy for coach education and player development. The role works closely with coaches and players across the Columbus Crew, with particular focus on emerging talent. It mentors Academy coaching staff, strengthens the club’s coaching framework, and continually evolves the Columbus Crew Game Model. The position leads curriculum development and coach mentorship, contributes to coaching methodology and training and match planning, and works with Academy teams and identified First Team emerging talents. It also oversees the club-wide Individual Development Plan process, integrates individual development into training and curriculum, and collaborates with relevant departments to support player progress. The role serves on the Academy Management Team and maintains relationships with MLS and U.S. Soccer coaching and player development departments.

Requirements

U.S. Soccer (or equivalent) A License.
At least 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 ability to apply coaching concepts effectively in practical environments.
Proficiency with modern technology, including automation, visualization, and database products.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to deliver concise, meaningful feedback and progress reports.
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.
Integrity, accountability, and a positive, high-performance mindset aligned with a winning culture.

Nice To Haves

Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL).

Responsibilities

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 aligned with each stage of player development.
Mentor Academy coaching staff and conduct monthly performance reviews to ensure alignment with the club’s coaching philosophy.
Contribute to the club’s coaching methodology, periodization, training design, and competitive match planning.
Work regularly with Academy teams and identified First Team emerging talents, using training and match evaluation to support individual player development.
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 supporting the coaching curriculum.
Lead and oversee implementation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for Academy players and emerging talents.
Manage the club-wide IDP process, ensuring consistency, accountability, and measurable player progress.
Oversee IDP programming for the club’s highest-potential emerging talents.
Integrate individual development plans into training sessions and the broader coaching curriculum, including position-, unit-, and team-specific development objectives.
Partner with relevant departments to establish developmental priorities and deliver consistent, actionable player feedback.
Foster a culture prioritizing individual growth, self-improvement, and continuous performance feedback.
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 by the organization’s evolving needs.
Maintain strong working relationships with MLS and U.S. Soccer coaching and player development departments.