Head of Coaching & Individual Development

Columbus Crew; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Columbus Crew seeks a strategic Head of Coaching and Individual Player Development to elevate academy coaching and talent growth. You will mentor Academy staff, shape the coaching framework, and align individual development with the club’s Game Model across the pipeline.

You will implement IDP programs, lead curriculum enhancement, collaborate with MLS and U.S. Soccer partners, and drive performance feedback while fostering a high-performance culture focused on developing emerging talents

Qualifications

• USSF A License is required; Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) preferred.
• Minimum of five years in a professional academy environment.
• Experience in coach education, mentorship, or coaching development.
• Strong understanding of player development principles and contemporary methodologies.
• Advanced tactical knowledge with practical coaching application.
• Proficient with modern technology including automation, visualization and databases.
• Excellent communication and ability to deliver concise progress reports.
• Ability to build positive cross-department relationships and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development with focus on play principles and shared coaching language.
• Mentor Academy coaching staff and conduct monthly performance reviews.
• Oversee IDP implementation for Academy players and emerging talents.
• Collaborate with Technical Director, Academy Director, and Analysis to support coaching framework.
• Develop annual calendar for player development and technical meetings.
• Ensure alignment of development objectives with the Columbus Crew Game Model.
• Partner with MLS and U.S. Soccer to advance coach education programs.

Skills

Leadership

Player development

Mentorship

Communication

Collaboration

Strategy

Education

USSF A License

EFCL preferred

Tools

Video analysis tools

Data visualization

Database systems

Job description

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

• 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.