The Columbus Crew and Major League Soccer (MLS) announced today that Head Coach Wilfried Nancy was named the 2024 Sigi Schmid Coach of The Year. Nancy helped lead the Crew to their first ever Concacaf Champions Cup Final, claimed the Leagues Cup trophy over LAFC, gained the Club-record for points (66), Club-record goals scored (72), Club-record wins (19) and the League-best point differential (+32).

In addition, Nancy led the Crew to second place in the Supporter’s Shield standings, becoming their highest finish since winning the trophy in 2009. The Crew became one of two teams to win nine games at home and on the road during their 2024 campaign, alongside 2024 Supporters Shield winners Inter Miami.

Nancy joined the Crew in 2023, leading the Black & Gold to their third MLS Cup in franchise history in just his first year. Since then, the Club has scored a League-best 139 goals since 2023 making them tied for the fifth-most during a two-season span in MLS history.

“It is an honor to win this award because it represents the collective spirit and hard work of my coaches, support staff, players and family,” said Nancy. “We accomplished many things together this past year. I’m proud of the group’s commitment to improving for ourselves, our teammates, our Club and our fans. That’s why this award is possible. Thank you.”

Nancy was a Coach of The Year finalist the last three seasons, falling behind Jim Curtain in 2022 during his tenure with CF Montreal, and FC Cincinnati’s Pat Noonan last year.

“Wilfried is an incredible coach and person, and it’s special to celebrate him and the team with this award, named after MLS legend and Crew Circle of Honor member Sigi Schmid,” said both Dee and Jimmy Haslam.

“He has all the qualities you want in a leafer, especially how he deeply cares about our players, coaches, staff and fans. We appreciate Wilfried’s and the Club’s efforts this season and are excited about our potential in 2025.”

Twenty-one different players tallied a goal-contribution for the Crew this season, tying the Club’s single-season record (1998, 2012, 2017), while also setting a Club-record with 18 different goal scorers during the 2024 campaign.

Before joining the Crew, Nancy served as the head coach for CF Montreal for 2021 and 2022. During his 2022 season, he led Montreal to a Club-best-regular-season record of 20-9-5 and 65 points, finishing second in the Eastern Conference and third overall in MLS.

“Wilfried is more than deserving of the 2024 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of The Year award for his leadership and passion for the Crew. It is a recognition of the on-pitch success during the past two seasons and a testament to the work and dedication of Wilfried and the entire staff,” said General Manager Issa Tall.

“Our Club is proud of him, and we look forward to building upon the culture we’ve established.”