The Columbus Crew on Sunday severed ties with head coach Henrik Rydström, marking an abrupt end to his tenure. This dismissal follows a decidedly uneven start to the 2026 MLS season, with the team accumulating a 3-4-7 record across 14 league matches. The club simultaneously announced the departure of assistant coach Theodor Olsson and analyst Mak Pakhei.
The Crew has appointed Laurent Courtois, formerly an assistant coach, as the interim head coach. His first outing in this new role is slated for Wednesday, a US Open Cup quarterfinal clash against New York City FC. The team’s league performance has seen them languishing, currently sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference with 13 points. Across all competitions, Rydström’s overall record stands at 5 wins, 7 losses, and 4 draws in 16 games.
Courtois Takes the Helm
Courtois, who returned to the Crew organization on January 13th as a first-team assistant coach, steps into the top job. He possesses both a U.S. Soccer Federation Pro and a UEFA ‘A’ coaching license. General Manager Issa Tall expressed confidence in Courtois, stating, "We want to give Laurent a shot, and he deserves it." The club indicated a plan to stick with Courtois for the time being, potentially sidelining speculation about a return of former successful coach Wilfried Nancy.
Read More: Limerick Beats Waterford By 2 Points After Late Surge
A Short-Lived Stint
Rydström’s time at the helm was significantly brief, spanning less than half of his debut season. He inherited the managerial position this past winter, following the departure of Wilfried Nancy, who moved to manage Celtic. The club acknowledged the challenge Rydström faced, taking over an original MLS franchise after Nancy's highly impactful tenure. Despite the filled designated player slots, the team's flexibility for immediate improvement remains a point of discussion. Rydström's appointment was made ahead of the 2026 season, and his dismissal comes swiftly thereafter.
