2024 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year - Nominee Biographies

Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year Nominee Biographies

Description: Top head coach in MLS during the 2024 regular season.

Eligibility: Nominees must be active MLS head coaches or interim head coaches who have coached at least five games during the 2024 MLS regular season.

Stats are as of Matchday 37 on October 6, 2024

Ben Olsen - Houston Dynamo FC

Houston Dynamo FC head coach Ben Olsen has followed up last season’s run to the Western Conference Final and lifting the 2023 U.S. Open Cup with another appearance in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

The Dynamo have now qualified for the postseason in consecutive years for the first time since 2013. Before last season, the Dynamo had not qualified for the postseason since 2017.

The Dynamo have played a consistent and controlled style of soccer under Olsen this season, remaining at the top of MLS in average possession (59.7 percent through 33 matches) and conceding the third-fewest goals (38 goals through 33 matches). This has allowed Houston to control and dictate the pace of play in many of their matches.

Notably, Houston has remained above the playoff line since the start of this season, while also advancing further in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup than any team in the Western Conference.

Brian Schmetzer - Seattle Sounders FC

Seattle Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer has once again been at the helm of a successful season for Seattle. This season, Schmetzer eclipsed 140 total MLS wins (regular season and playoffs), entering the top 10 of all coaches in MLS history.

After a slow start to the season for Seattle due to injuries to some key players, including newly signed Young Designated Player Pedro de la Vega, Schmetzer has coached the Rave Green to one of the best second halves of the season of any team in MLS, losing only twice in its last 16 regular season matches. The club currently sits in third place in the Western Conference, in prime contention for hosting playoff matches later in the year.

Schmetzer has also done well outside of MLS competitions, reaching the Leagues Cup 2024 Quarterfinal and the 2024 U.S. Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinal.

Chris Armas - Colorado Rapids

Chris Armas was appointed as the 10th permanent head coach in Rapids history on November 16, 2023. Armas, 51, joined the Rapids with two decades of combined experience in MLS as a player and coach. The former defensive midfielder (LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire FC) enjoyed a successful, 12-year playing career in the league during which he won an MLS Cup (1998), a Supporters’ Shield (2003) and four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006). A six-time MLS All-Star (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004), Armas is one of only five players in league history to have been named to the MLS Best XI five times (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003). After recovering from an ACL injury sustained in 2002, he was named the MLS Comeback Player of the Year in 2003, as well as Chicago Fire FC’s MVP during their Supporters’ Shield-winning season that same year. A native of New York City, Armas earned 66 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team during his playing career, winning two Concacaf Gold Cups (2002, 2005), as well as being named the U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year in 2000. After his retirement from playing, Armas began his coaching career in 2008 as an assistant coach for Chicago Fire FC before spending four years as head coach of Adelphi University’s women’s soccer team. In 2015, he joined the New York Red Bulls as an assistant coach as the side won the Supporters’ Shield that year. Armas was then appointed Red Bulls head coach in July 2018 following Jesse Marsch’s departure to RB Leipzig, finishing the regular season with a 12-3-3 record as his side won the 2018 Supporters’ Shield, while also leading the club to the Eastern Conference Finals. Most recently, Armas served as an assistant coach for English Premier League sides Manchester United (2021-22) and Leeds United (2023). In 2024, Armas earned his 50th point of the season, surpassing Fernando Clavijo's 45 points in 2005 for the most points by a Rapids head coach in their first season. He also surpassed Glenn Myernick (14 wins in 1997) for the most victories by a first-year Rapids head coach.

Dean Smith - Charlotte FC

Dean Smith was appointed as Charlotte FC head coach in December 2023. In his first season, Dean has guided Charlotte FC to the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. The Englishman has engineered one of the league's best defenses as the Crown enjoys their best season in Major League Soccer to date.

Eric Ramsay - Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United Head Coach Eric Ramsay joined the club in March as its second-ever head coach in its MLS history since 2017. The 33-year-old manager, who was raised in Wales, helped lead the Loons to a 2-0 win over LAFC in front of home fans in Saint Paul during his first match. With a few games under his belt, Ramsay's squad went on a six-game unbeaten streak between April and May, continuing MNUFC's best start in club MLS history. Throughout the season, the new manager creatively constructed lineups that utilized players to play in multiple positions, finding success on the wing and midfield for players such as Robin Lod and Joseph Rosales, along with providing playing opportunities for young players, such as Loïc Mesanvi (an MNUFC2 player that earned a first-team contract after successful regular-season and Leagues Cup appearances). Ramsay's Loons then made a late surge towards the final stretch of the regular season, including a period where the squad won four games in six match weeks, helping spur the team towards playoffs qualification. Notably, through the Colorado Rapids game on September 28, Ramsay's squad has scored the most goals in a single season in the club's MLS history (54).

Gerard ‘Tata’ Martino - Inter Miami CF

Head Coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has led Inter Miami CF to a record-breaking season in which the Club recorded historic stats thanks to his management, getting the best out of every single player on the roster. The impressive achievements include becoming the third-fastest Club to earn a playoff berth, dominating the league by recording the most wins, goals, and points in Club history (with matches to spare), providing important opportunities to Academy products and turning them into fundamental pieces of the squad, developing young, talented players into eye-catching stars in the league and worldwide, and managing the world’s best players to deliver through the uniqueness of an extensive MLS season.

With two matches remaining, Martino also led the club to its first-ever Supporters’ Shield title and the third title he has won as an MLS coach (2018 MLS Cup and Leagues Cup 2023). Martino has orchestrated a historic turnaround for the team, going from 27th in the Supporters’ Shield race in 2023 to first in 2024, and doing so while missing several key players through injuries, international duty and more for large stretches of the season.

Greg Vanney - LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy Head Coach, Greg Vanney, has made a compelling case for the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year award through his remarkable leadership and strategic vision. Under his guidance, the Galaxy has experienced a significant turnaround, transforming from a struggling squad to a competitive force in the league.

One of Vanney’s most notable achievements has been his ability to instill a winning mentality within the team. After facing challenges in previous seasons, he has revitalized the roster, fostering a culture of resilience and teamwork. His tactical acumen has led to improved performances on the field, evident in the team’s enhanced defensive organization and attacking fluidity. By adapting his strategies to maximize player strengths, Vanney has created a cohesive unit that not only competes but also entertains.

Vanney’s commitment to player development is another key aspect of his coaching philosophy. He places a strong emphasis on nurturing young talent, integrating academy graduates into the first team, and helping them realize their potential. His mentorship has been instrumental in the growth of players who have stepped up to become crucial contributors. This focus on development not only benefits the individual players but also strengthens the overall team dynamic, ensuring a sustainable future for the Galaxy.

Moreover, Vanney’s leadership extends beyond tactics. He has built strong relationships with his players, fostering an environment of trust and open communication. This approach has been vital in boosting player morale and motivation, allowing them to perform at their best. His ability to connect with the team, understand their needs, and provide constructive feedback is a testament to his effectiveness as a coach.

The turnaround of the LA Galaxy under Vanney’s stewardship is not merely a reflection of improved results; it embodies a shift in our culture and identity. The team has shown resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence that resonates with fans and stakeholders alike.

Greg Vanney deserves the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year award for his exceptional leadership, tactical innovation, and dedication to player development. His impact on the LA Galaxy is profound, and his vision is steering the club toward a brighter future, making him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Ian Russell - San Jose Earthquakes

Ian Russell entered a tough situation after being elevated from assistant coach to interim head coach following the departure of Luchi Gonzalez in June. However, since taking over, he has curbed the team's goals conceded and goals against average from 51 and 2.68 in the first 19 games when he took over, to 24 goals against and a 1.71 GAA during his time in charge. In addition, Russell led the team on an impressive run to the Leagues Cup 2024 knockout stages, with victories over Liga MX stalwarts Chivas de Guadalajara (1-1; 4-3 PKs) and Club Necaxa (5-0) among the highlights.

Jim Curtin - Philadelphia Union

Currently in his 11th season as the Philadelphia Union’s head coach, Jim Curtin holds 176 regular season wins with the team, placing him second for most regular season wins with a single team in Major League Soccer. He is also the second longest-tenured coach in the league, behind Peter Vermes of Sporting Kansas City.

Under Curtin’s leadership, club records continued to be broken this season, as midfielder Dániel Gazdag surpassed Sébastien Le Toux’s MLS goal-scoring record, and defender Kai Wagner broke Le Toux’s assist record. The Union also made it to the semifinals of Leagues Cup 2024 after competing in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, a berth secured after Curtin led the Union to the Leagues Cup 2023 semifinals, securing a third-place finish.

Curtin guided the Union to their first MLS Cup presented by Audi final appearance in 2022 after a record-breaking season, including most wins (19), most goals scored (72), fewest goals conceded (26), and greatest goal differential (+46) in club history. That year, the Union also remained unbeaten at home.

Additionally, Curtin helped the club achieve first place in the Eastern Conference for the second time in three years, clinching a Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League berth for the second time in club history, where the team ultimately reached the SCCL semi-finals. Previously, Curtin took the Union to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final in 2014, 2015, and 2018, semi-finals of the MLS Is Back Tournament in 2020, and made the playoffs in each of the last six seasons. Curtin achieved his 100th regular season career win as head coach after the Union’s win over the San Jose Earthquakes on March 12, 2022, achieving it in under 250 matches to become the second youngest and 10th coach overall in league history to do so.

With his continued team success, Curtin became the youngest two-time recipient of the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award (2020, 2022), becoming the fifth coach overall in league history to win the award multiple times and the first Philadelphia-based head coach across the five major North American men’s professional sports leagues to twice win a Coach of the Year award in their respective sport.

John Hackworth - St. Louis CITY SC

Hackworth took over a team with a 3-7-10 and went 5-5-3 with 22 goals scored in the last 13 matches.

John Herdman - Toronto FC

Toronto FC named John Herdman as Toronto FC's new head coach on August 28, 2023. He currently holds a 15-21-6 record in all competitions (MLS regular season, Canadian Championship and Leagues Cup).

Born in Durham, England, Herdman took over the Canada Men's National Team program in 2018 and enjoyed a successful tenure leading the CMNT to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Final of the 2023 Concacaf Nations League. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup Concacaf Qualifiers, Canada topped Mexico and made history on March 27, 2022, when Les Rouges defeated Jamaica by a score of 4-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 36 years (Mexico 1986). During that period, he managed Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio, a mainstay in Herdman’s side who played a key role in the qualifiers that saw Canada finish top of the Concacaf qualifying region with 28 points. Under his leadership, Canada reached 33rd in the FIFA World Rankings in February 2022 – the country’s highest men’s ranking to date.

Throughout his career, Herdman has coached in one FIFA World Cup (Qatar 2022), two Concacaf Gold Cups (2019, 2023), two Concacaf Nations League (2019-2020, 2022-2023), three FIFA Women’s World Cups (China 2007, Germany 2011, Canada 2015), three Summer Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016) two FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups (Russia 2006, Chile 2008) and one Pan American Games (Mexico 2011).

Laurent Courtois - CF Montréal

Laurent Courtois is a first-year head coach in MLS, having joined CF Montréal in January 2024. The Frenchman brought his youth-forward system to pair with the Club’s philosophy of developing from its Academy and playing an attractive style of soccer featuring young players. Under Courtois’ lead, CF Montréal equaled a Club record seven-game unbeaten run on home soil between May 25 and July 13, 2024. Courtois has also successfully led Montréal back to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs after barely missing out on qualification last season.

Nick Cushing - New York City FC

Nick Cushing is now in his second full season as head coach of New York City FC. After missing the playoffs last season, following a decisive 5-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls, Cushing successfully led the team to a playoff berth, marking the eighth time in the last nine seasons that the Club has made the playoffs. Between May 11 and May 31, New York City tied the club record for the longest regular season winning streak with five consecutive victories; the last time they achieved this was from September to October 2022, also under Cushing. Remarkably, Cushing accomplished this with the youngest squad in the league. This season, NYCFC has accumulated 17 road points, which is the eighth-best in the Eastern Conference and 15th in the entire league (as of October 6, 2024). Additionally, the team secured nine points in seven days across a three-game span from May 11 to May 18, making them one of only two clubs in MLS, alongside FC Cincinnati, to achieve this feat during that time. After the victory over the Red Bulls in New Jersey, Cushing remains the only New York City head coach to sweep the Hudson River Derby season series, also accomplishing this in 2022. The Englishman was listed as Head Coach of the MLS Team of the Week three times on Matchday 15, 18, and 35.

Óscar Pareja - Orlando City SC

Orlando City SC Head Coach Oscar Pareja led the Lions to their fifth-straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance, taking Orlando City to the playoffs in each of his five seasons in charge in the City Beautiful. Despite a difficult start to their 2024 campaign, Pareja and the Lions have turned things around down the final stretch of the season, launching themselves into a playoff position yet again and fighting for a top four position in the Eastern Conference. Since the start of July, Pareja has led Orlando City to an 11-2-1 record in regular-season action, securing 34 points in that span. Pareja has also turned around the Lions' attack since the beginning of the year with the Orlando offense scoring 43 goals in its past 17 regular-season matches, including 16 in its last six. City has also scored multiple goals in seven straight and 13 of its last 15 contests under Pareja's leadership. Earlier this season, the Colombian manager also surpassed Dominic Kinnear for fifth-most regular-season wins all-time by a head coach in Major League Soccer, extending his total to 174 so far.

Pablo Mastroeni - Real Salt Lake

During the 2024 MLS regular season, Real Salt Lake head coach Pablo Mastroeni has led RSL under the mantra "Winning Together Through Development" ... A mix of youth and veteran players have led the Claret-and-Cobalt to spend nearly the entirety of 2024 amongst the top four in the West, as youngsters Diego Luna, Andres Gomez and Gavin Beavers have meshed with Chicho Arango and Justen Glad to navigate a Club-record 15-game unbeaten run, and put RSL within two points of an all-time team record of a 58-point regular season total with one game remaining ... Amazingly, RSL has dropped back-to-back games just once this season, while integrating five new summer additions after the Primary Transfer Window.

Pat Noonan - FC Cincinnati

The reigning Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year, Noonan has navigated countless challenges to lead the Orange and Blue on a valiant defense of their 2023 Supporters' Shield triumph. FC Cincinnati saw two starting center backs, and four players total, suffer season ending injuries in under two months. This included reigning Defender of the Year Matt Miazga, without whom the Cincinnati defense faced notable challenges.

During all of this, Noonan led the Orange and Blue to 12 wins from 14 games in the middle chunk of the season, while keeping pace in one of the most heated Supporters' Shield races to date. Noonan navigated new pieces, players departing for injury and in the transfer window, and has yet to field a duplicate lineup in any two games this season.

Noonan and FC Cincinnati have clinched home-field advantage for the second straight year, as the third-year head coach has made the playoffs each year in the Queen City. The Orange and Blue finished unbeaten against Hell is Real rivals and league powerhouses Columbus Crew, including a first-ever victory in the road fixture of the derby, and Noonan led his team to a 6-1 demolition of Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami CF.

The Cincinnati manager has reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP Luciano Acosta back in the MVP conversation and a tie for most goal contributions in MLS despite missing over a month due to injury.

Phil Neville - Portland Timbers

In his first season with the club, Neville has led the Timbers into playoff contention after the club missed playoffs for two consecutive seasons. With Neville at the helm, Portland (64 goals) has scored the second-most goals in the Western Conference behind the LA Galaxy (68) and the third-most in MLS behind Inter Miami CF (72) and the Galaxy this season.

During his time with the club, three players have scored 14 or more goals for the first time in league history. This season, the Timbers have come back to earn points from a losing position eight different times during the regular season (three wins, five draws). Of the eight come-from-behind results, five have seen the club overturn a deficit of two or more goals (at RSL, vs. STL, vs. MIN, vs. SJ, at SKC).

Additionally, Neville led the Timbers to a 13-game unbeaten streak at home across all competitions dating from May 15 to October 6 (10-0-3).

Sandro Schwarz - New York Red Bulls

Sandro Schwarz in his first season as the head coach of the New York Red Bulls has led the club to a 12-8-14 mark. Under Schwarz, the Red Bulls have had the second-fewest losses in a single season, and he also led them to going unbeaten in their first 12 home matches of the season, becoming the second coach in franchise history to do so. He has also led the club to their most points recorded at Red Bull Arena since 2021. Schwarz has posted a 7-2-7 mark at Red Bull Arena this season, which ranks tied for the fewest losses in a season since Red Bull Arena opened in 2010.

Steve Cherundolo - LAFC

In just his third season as a head coach in MLS, Steve Cherundolo has continued to carve a place for himself into the league record books. Cherundolo managed LAFC through a historically rigorous schedule over the past two seasons, leading the Black & Gold through 99 games in all competitions by the end of the 2024 regular season. After playing in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League Final and 2023 MLS Cup presented by Audi, in 2024 Cherundolo guided LAFC to one of the top spots in the Western Conference, the 2024 Leagues Cup Final, and helped capture the teams fourth major trophy with the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This season, Cherundolo became the second fastest coach to win 50 regular-season games since 2000, accomplishing the feat in just 98 games. Cherundolo’s 52-27-21 (.625) career regular-season record is already one of the best in MLS, and his 177 points through 100 regular season games is the third-highest total in MLS history. The only coach in league history to win the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup as a first-year head coach, Cherundolo has successfully managed and blended world-renowned veteran talent into the squad while continuing to develop and integrate top young players such as Cristian Olivera, David Martinez and Sergi Palencia.

Troy Lesesne - D.C. United

In his first full MLS season with D.C. United, Troy Lesesne made a massive impact for the Black-and-Red. With the team playing a high-pressing and attacking style of play, Lesesne has instilled a clear philosophy, identity, and culture at the club. His attack-minded approach has lended itself to forward Christian Benteke, who is the frontrunner for the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi with 23 goals, and the team are fighting to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Vanni Sartini - Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Vanni Sartini is a leader at the club both on and off the pitch. In his third full season at the helm, Sartini has once again clinched a playoff berth, posting one of the best road records despite the most travel in the league, and won a third consecutive TELUS Canadian Championship. Vancouver has a clear and disciplined style of play that is defensively sound, while dangerous through counters and patterns of play. Off the pitch, Sartini is an active community participant who helps raise awareness for numerous causes with his time and his colorful t-shirt collection. In addition, Sartini provides very candid and transparent information with media and broadcast partners.

Wilfried Nancy - Columbus Crew

• Directed Crew to three tournament finals in nine months (2023 MLS Cup presented by Audi, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup 2024) – the first MLS club to accomplish the feat.
• Led Columbus to the Leagues Cup 2024 title, winning the Club’s ninth major trophy and second since joining the franchise after claiming 2023 MLS Cup presented by Audi last December.
• Guided Crew to their first-ever Concacaf Champions Cup Final, defeating two LIGA MX sides and becoming the first MLS club to 1) advance after not winning the home leg; and 2) first American side to win in penalties on Mexican soil in a competitive contest. Defeated LIGA MX powerhouses in CF Monterrey and Tigres UANL.
• The Club has played in every competitive match possible on their schedule. Established sustained success despite playing 46 matches by the end of the regular season, already tying the franchise record (46) set last year prior to the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
• Helped Crew become the only MLS Club ever to be ranked No. 1 in the Concacaf Club Ranking index, doing so prior to the CCC Final and Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup 2024.
• Secured a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference in back-to-back seasons.
• With two matches remaining, led Crew to 57 points, tied for a club record. The Club reached that mark under his leadership last year, which had only previously been recorded in 2008 when they won the Supporters’ Shield.
• Tied club-record 17 wins in a single regular season with two games remaining.
• First in MLS with +27 GD, on pace for a new Club standard.
• Most home wins in MLS play (22) since 2023. Possess a +40 GD in MLS home contests since 2023.
• First in league for goals (137) since 2023 after pacing the league last season. Additionally, Crew have improved defensively to allow the second-fewest goals in 2024.
• With one road match remaining, claimed a Club-record eight away wins, two more than the Crew had ever posted in an entire season. Third in MLS in away goals. Earned a point in 13 of 16 away matches to date.
• Speaking to his trust and player development, the Crew have a Club-record 16 unique goal scorers in MLS play after tying the mark with 15 in 2023.
• System has produced two players surpassing 10 goals and 10 assists (Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi). Only four players had previously reached those numbers in a Crew season.
• Finalist for Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year in back-to-back years.