The Columbus Crew organization announced the departure of Columbus Crew 2 head coach Laurent Courtois, after just two years. The former French soccer player is headed north of the border to be the head coach of CF Montréal.

Courtois led the Capybaras to the 2022 MLS Next Pro championship, capturing the title in the leagues inaugural year, while also being named MLS Next Pro Coach of the Year.

Courtois helped guide Crew 2 to the MLS Next Pro Cup final, where the Crew fell to Austin FC II. Courtois joined the Black & Gold in 2019 as the head coach for the U-17 Academy team, before being promoted to the Crew 2 Head Coach in 2022.

“We are extremely proud that Laurent has earned this opportunity to lead a team in MLS,” said President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “One of our primary goals for Crew 2 is to prepare players, staff, and coaches for the next level.
Laurents’s new role is a testament to the person he is and quality of his work, not only at the MLS Next Pro level but through our entire Club.”

“It is rewarding for everyone here in Columbus to see Laurent get this opportunity. We thank Laurent for his contributions to the Club and his commitment to our staff and players during the past five years,” Bezbatchenko continued.

“I would like to personally thank Laurent for his dedication to Crew 2 these past two season and our Club since joining in 2019,” Corey Wray, Columbus Crew 2 General Manager said. “Building the team together and leading two distinct groups to back-to-back MLS Next Pro Cup Finals is a testament to Laurent’s understanding of the game, his attention to detail, and unique ability to lead a squad. We are excited and very proud of Laurent to showcase his abilities in Montreal after earning this opportunity.”

During the Crew 2 inaugural season, Courtois led the team to the best regular-season record (16-3-5, 55 points). The Capybaras captured the Central Division Title and the Eastern Conference’s top seed in the playoffs.

Under the direction of Courtois, Crew 2 was first in the lead in points, wins, goals (55) goal differential (+40) and a winning home record of 11-1-0. Crew 2 also had the fewer losses and tied for the fewest goals allowed (22).

Courtois then led the 2023 Crew 2 team to the Eastern Conference Title and MLS Next Pro Cup final, with a team much younger than the 2022 squad. His prior coaching experience saw him work with LA Galaxy II, as well as the head coach for
French side Olympique Lyonnais Academy.

Columbus and Montreal will face off against each other April 27 at Lower.com Field, and then in Montreal May 15.