Wilfried Nancy capped a phenomenal year as head coach of the Columbus Crew by being named the 2024 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year. This recognition comes after a record-breaking season where Nancy’s leadership propelled the Crew to new heights in Major League Soccer.
Under Nancy’s guidance, Columbus achieved club records in points (66) and goals scored (72), matching their highest-ever number of wins in a season (19). The team closed the regular season with a league-best +32 goal differential and secured the second spot in the Supporters’ Shield standings—their highest ranking since 2009.
A Historic Campaign
The Crew’s 2024 season was one for the history books. Alongside Inter Miami CF, Columbus became one of only two teams to win at least nine games at home and on the road in a single season. They also joined an elite group of teams, being the first since the 2022 Philadelphia Union to score over 70 goals while conceding 40 or fewer.
The Crew’s success wasn’t limited to the MLS. Nancy guided the team to victory in the 2024 Leagues Cup, defeating LAFC 3-1 in the final, and earned them a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. Their impressive run in international competition saw them reach the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup final after triumphs over LIGA MX giants CF Monterrey and Tigres UANL.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Wilfried Nancy’s recognition as MLS Coach of the Year is particularly significant, as he is the first Columbus Crew coach to win the award since its namesake, Sigi Schmid, in 2008. Nancy, who joined the Crew in December 2022 after a successful stint with CF Montréal, has been a finalist for this award in the past three seasons, making this win a long-awaited and well-deserved accolade.
The Competition
The MLS Coach of the Year award is determined through a vote by MLS club technical staff, media, and current MLS players. Nancy outpaced notable competitors, including Gerardo “Tata” Martino of Inter Miami CF and Chris Armas of the Colorado Rapids. The final voting percentages were as follows:
| Rank | Coach | Players | Media | Clubs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilfried Nancy (CLB) | 43.03% | 38.80% | 38.24% | 40.02% |
| 2 | Tata Martino (MIA) | 24.85% | 36.00% | 38.24% | 33.03% |
| 3 | Chris Armas (COL) | 7.88% | 6.00% | 5.88% | 6.59% |
Building on a Legacy
Nancy’s achievement underscores his ability to maintain and build upon the legacy of excellence associated with the Columbus Crew. From tactical innovation to fostering a winning mentality, his impact has been transformative. The Crew’s passionate fan base now looks forward to what the future holds under Nancy’s leadership.
A Bright Future
As the Crew prepares for the 2025 season and their return to the Concacaf Champions Cup, Wilfried Nancy’s leadership will undoubtedly remain pivotal. His success not only celebrates the rich history of the Columbus Crew but also sets the stage for an even brighter future for the club and its supporters.
