Matt Crocker Poised to Become U.S. Soccer Federation's New Sporting Director
News broke first by The Athletic
Southampton's Matt Crocker is set to take the reins as the U.S. Soccer Federation’s new sporting director, according to multiple anonymous sources familiar with the recruitment process who spoke with The Athletic. Crocker will replace former sporting director Earnie Stewart, who left the USSF in February to join PSV Eindhoven as their director of football.
Crocker's Background and Experience
Crocker, who is leaving Southampton at the end of the season, has vast experience in managing men's, women's, and youth programs. During his three seasons with Southampton, he collaborated with then-head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl to develop the "SFC Playbook" methodology. The 48-year-old previously spent seven years with England's Football Association, overseeing U-15, U-17, and U-20 national teams for both men and women. His tenure included England's men's triumphs in the U-17 and U-20 World Cups in 2017, as well as the European Championship at the U-19 level the same year.
Those who have worked with Crocker believe he is an ideal fit for the U.S. due to his experience in developing sporting infrastructure at both the international federation and club levels. The Welshman holds technical director and academy director licenses from the Football Association, as well as a UEFA Pro license.
The Task Ahead
The incoming sporting director will have a monumental task awaiting him at the federation, with U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone stating that the new appointee will be instrumental in selecting the U.S. men's national team head coach. The team has been without a permanent manager since the end of the season when Gregg Berhalter's contract expired. Interim manager Anthony Hudson has been in charge for the last five games.
Coaching Candidates and Next Steps
Interestingly, Crocker was involved in the plan to bring in former Leeds United and Red Bull Salzburg head coach Jesse Marsch as Southampton's coach earlier this year. Marsch, who ultimately declined the offer and also turned down an offer from Leicester City, has been frequently mentioned as a possible candidate for the USMNT coaching position.
With Crocker now secured as sporting director, the Federation is moving forward with the formal interview and hiring process for the remaining head coach position. The focus now shifts to the sporting director role, which, according to Cone, will center around the national team programs, from the senior level through the youth.
Let's face it: Right or wrong, the future of US soccer depends on the success or failure of the Men's national team. Crocker has wonderful successes on his resume, but what if soccer is to become relevant in the US mainstream, then he's got 3 years to build a successful program, or he's out. That may not be fair, but that's the job facing him. No excuses.
Thanks