The U.S. Soccer Federation has hired Matt Crocker as the new sporting director of the organization. Crocker will begin his job on August 2, with his first task being to find a new coach for the United States men’s national team (USMNT). The position has been vacant since Gregg Berhalter was pushed aside during an investigation that arose from a feud with the Reyna family.
Crocker is a British football executive who has been the director of football for Southampton since February 2020. In introducing Crocker, USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone mentioned his experience and expertise in various roles and levels of the game, stating that he will set the sporting vision for U.S. soccer and implement the technical plan for the women’s, men’s extended, and youth national teams.
Crocker will also provide support for the USWNT during the World Cup before his start date. He is known for his communication skills and ability to build teams. He is passionate about the game and is committed to building relationships at every level of the game.
The Search for the Right Leader
Crocker will begin searching for a new coach immediately, but he will not be rushed into making an appointment. He wants a coach who will build on the USMNT’s performances at the last World Cup, one that is “aggressive” and “forward-thinking,” and evolve the team’s style of play.
Crocker declined to go into details about possible candidates, including Berhalter. He stated that he intends to follow up with a number of candidates, both internally within the organization and externally, to begin to understand more and to assist his learning as well.
Crocker replaces Earnie Stewart, who recommended the hiring of Berhalter. Stewart was elevated to sporting director in August 2019 and left in February 2021 to become PSV Eindhoven’s director of football. Berhalter remains a candidate for the coaching position, despite an investigation into a three-decade-old domestic violence incident involving Berhalter and the woman who later became his wife. The investigation was completed in March, and the USSF said Berhalter did not improperly withhold information about the incident.
Crocker is excited about the opportunity to work with the USSF, saying that he is looking forward to building on the great work and the foundations that have already been laid. He will work with the staff to find the right head coach to come in and build a strong culture and coaching for the USMNT.
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