Crew Sacks Manager Henrik Rydström After Disappointing Start

COLUMBUS, OH – When the Columbus Crew began the 2026 season, the adjustment period was always going to be one to keep an eye on, with a new manager leading the helm.

Unfortunately for the Crew, it has not been the season that the club and fans have imagined, and manager Henrik Rydstrom has paid the price by losing his job. Through 14 Major League Soccer matches in 2026, the Crew has just 13 points, which sits the three-time MLS Cup winners just third from the bottom of the eastern conference.

“We unfortunately have not capitalized on opportunities or produced the results that our club and supporters deserve” says general manager Issa Tall. “We are confident that we have the talent on our roster to consistently compete for championships, and we believe this change best positions us to accomplish that goal with the number of matches we have left this season.”

In addition to Rydstrom, the Crew is also relieving assistant coach Theodor Olsson and analyst Mak Pakhei of their duties. In the Swedish manager’s stead, top assistant Laurent Courtois will take the reigns for the remainder of the season.

Courtois has previous MLS managerial experience for two years with CF Montreal from 2024-2025, which included a playoff appearance during his first year north of the border.

The Crew’s next contest comes on Wednesday, May 20th at home to New York City Football Club in the quarterfinal round of the U.S. Open Cup, followed by a league match against Atlanta United at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Sunday.