The Columbus Crew today announced their full First Team coaching staff ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

Head Coach Henrik Rydström and the Club’s technical staff are supported by Assistant Coaches Theodor Olsson, Laurent Courtois and Josh Williams; Goalkeeper Coach Phil Boerger; Head of Video & Data Analysis Marc O’Neill; and First Team Analyst Mak Pakhei.

Olsson and Pakhei came to the Black & Gold this preseason after coaching with Rydström in Sweden. Courtois (2019-2023) and Williams (2025) have previously coached within the Crew Academy, while Boerger and O’Neill will continue to assist the First Team’s development in 2026.

“Our collective coaching staff offers valuable and diverse experience, exceptional professionalism and a strong work ethic that will elevate our environment and allow our players to maximize their potential,” said General Manager Issa Tall.

We are confident that the coaching and support staff we have in place will continue to build upon the culture and competitive standard that makes our Club special.”

“I’m pleased to have our coaching staff in place as we begin this chapter together,” said Rydström. “Each member brings distinct qualities and perspectives that will be essential over the course of the season.”

Along with our players, I’m proud of what we accomplished together this preseason as we prepare to start the 2026 campaign with the goal of improving every day and consistently competing for championships.”

Theodor Olsson – Assistant Coach

Assistant Coach Theodor Olsson joined the Crew on Dec. 31, 2025. He previously served as an assistant coach at Malmö FF from 2022-25, helping the club secure back-to-back Allsvenskan league titles in 2023 and 2024, and a Swedish Cup victory in 2024.

Laurent Courtois – Assistant Coach

Laurent Courtois returned to the Crew on Jan. 13 in the role of First Team Assistant Coach. Courtois most recently served as head coach of CF Montreal in 2024, leading the club to its first playoff berth since 2022.

A former professional player, Courtois played for Spain’s Levante UD; France’s AC Ajaccio, Toulouse FC, FC Istres, and Grenoble Foot 38; England’s West Ham United FC and Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy. 

Josh Williams – Assistant Coach

Josh Williams, who retired with the Crew following a 14-year playing career, was promoted to First Team assistant coach on Feb. 12 after contributing in a similar role with Crew 2 in 2025.

The Akron, Ohio native, appeared in 183 regular season matches across 12 seasons with the Crew (2010-14, 2017-23), helping the Crew capture the 2020 and 2023 MLS Cups and the 2021 Campeones Cup.

In 2017, Williams earned the Kirk Urso Heart Award, given to the player who best exemplified the qualities in a teammate and became “the heart” in the Black & Gold locker room.  

Phil Boerger – Goalkeeper Coach

Phil Boerger joined the Club in 2022 as Crew 2 goalkeeper coach and was elevated to the First Team in 2023. Boerger was part of the coaching staff that led the Black & Gold to the 2023 MLS Cup and Leagues Cup 2024 titles.

Marc O’Neill – Head of Video & Data Analysis

Marc O’Neill, who was named First Team Assistant Video Coach Analyst in 2025, was elevated to Head of Video & Data Analysis earlier this year. O’Neill first came to the Crew in 2023 as Crew 2’s Video & Data Analyst.

Mak Pakhei – First Team Analyst

Pakhei joined the Crew on Dec. 31, 2025, after serving as a Video Analyst and First Team Analyst at Malmö FF from 2023-25. Pakhei was part of the Malmö FF coaching staff that helped the club win both the Allsvenskan championship and the Swedish Cup in 2024.