Wilfried Nancy leaves CF Montreal to lead Columbus Crew

Wilfried Nancy has parted ways with CF Montreal to become the new head coach for Columbus Crew. 

Though Nancy remained under contract with Montreal through the 2023 campaign, the two teams confirmed a “financial agreement” that enabled his departure, effective immediately. 

“Despite the club's efforts to have Wilfried continue our project, we were forced to accept his decision to leave the organization. We want people who want to be with us and Wilfried has chosen a different path,” said CF Montreal president Gabriel Gervais. 

“I would like to thank him for all his years with the club and in particular, for what he accomplished with the first team over the past two seasons. We wish him and his assistants the best of luck in their future careers.”

Nancy will also take three members of his Montreal staff, assistant coach Kwame Ampadu, fitness coach Jules Gueguen and video analyst Maxime Chalier, with him to Columbus.

He recently led Montreal to a standout campaign, concluding the regular season in second place on the Eastern Conference table with 34 points and a record of 20W-9L-5D before falling in the Conference semifinals against NYCFC. Nancy also set new Montreal franchise records for wins at 20 and goals scored with 63.

The numbers led Nancy to an MLS Coach of the Year nomination. 

He now replaces Caleb Porter, who was fired one day after the MLS regular season concluded after missing out on playoffs for a second consecutive year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Wilfried to Columbus as the next head coach of the Crew,” Columbus president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release. "Throughout this process, it was clear that he is a knowledgeable, insightful and innovative coach with extensive experience within the different levels of the North American soccer landscape. We know he is the right person to lead the team back into the postseason as we contend for championships. 

“Our top priority was ensuring that we created alignment from the first team, through Crew 2 and to the Academy with coaches, players and staff. We believe Wilfried’s background as a developer of players will give him the perspective and understanding into building a winning culture centered around learning and collaboration.”