Head of Coaching & Individual Development

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

Job summary

Columbus Crew SC is seeking a Head of Coaching and Individual Player Development to lead the academy’s coaching framework, mentor staff, and evolve the club’s Game Model. You will collaborate with the Technical Director and Academy Director to align curriculum, performance reviews, and development plans for emergent talents across all age groups.

This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep knowledge of player development principles, with daily collaboration across

Qualifications

• Requires U.S. Soccer A License or equivalent.
• Experience in coach education, mentorship, or coaching development roles.
• Strong understanding of player development principles and contemporary methodologies.
• Advanced tactical knowledge and ability to apply concepts in practice.
• Proficient with modern tech including automation, visualization, and databases.
• Excellent communication with concise feedback and reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development and alignment with One Club methodologies.
• Mentor and conduct monthly performance reviews for Academy coaches.
• Contribute to coaching methodology, periodization, training design, and match planning.
• Work with Academy teams and First Team talents on individualized development.
• Develop annual development calendar in partnership with Technical Director and Academy Director.
• Collaborate with Analysis Department to build video and data library for coaching curriculum.

Skills

Curriculum development

Coaching leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Education

U.S. Soccer A License

EFCL (Elite Formation Coaching License) preferred

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

• 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.