The Columbus Crew made a surprising decision on Monday to dismiss their MLS Cup-winning head coach Caleb Porter. The MLS side made a decision after a disappointing finish to the 2022 season that saw Crew miss out on playoffs for the second consecutive year.
The Crew played their last game of the regular campaign against Orlando City and needed only a tie to clinch the postseason. However, they suffered a 2-1 loss that knocked them to the eighth spot and out of playoff contention.
“This is not a decision we took lightly, and I need to first and foremost thank Caleb for his tireless efforts for the Crew during his four seasons with the Club,” said Crew general manager Tim Bezbatchenko in a statement.
Caleb Porter joined Columbus ahead of the 2019 MLS season after previously doing a fine job with the Portland Timbers. Porter failed to qualify for the playoffs in his first season, but Crew bounced back during the shortened 2020 campaign and went on to win its second MLS Cup in franchise history.
The Crew finished ninth in the conference in 2021, but did well in the CONCACAF Champions League by reaching the quarterfinals stage. Porter also led Columbus to the Campeones Cup win last season.
