When Gregg Berhalter departed Columbus Crew SC for the US men's national team, Crew SC not only lost their head coach but also sporting director. The search is underway for Berhlater's replacements.
Former New York Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis has been interviewed by the Crew for the sporting director position, according to Kristian Dyer. He also confirmed previous reports of Bruce Arena being interviewed as well.
"The Club has begun its search for new soccer operations leadership in collaboration with potential new Investor-Operators but will not be providing additional comment on the hiring process at this time," said a Crew SC spokesperson when reached.
Curtis was the Red Bulls' sporting director for two seasons, in 2015 and 2016. Under his leadership, the club won 2015 Supporters' Shield, created USL side New York Red Bulls II, which won both the 2016 USL Shield and USL Cup.
Curtis, a MAC Hermann trophy winner at Duke and an MLS player from 2001 to 2004, joined the Red Bulls from the MLS league office, where he served as senior director of player relations and competition.
In his role with the league Curtis managed MLS club budgets, negotiated player contracts, supervised the MLS Homegrown player program and participated in ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.
