Just two days after becoming the first coach in MLS history to win MLS Cup titles with two different teams, Sigi Schmid stands poised to try to win a title with a third team.
Schmid is on the verge of accepting a deal to become the first head coach of Seattle Sounders FC, multiple sources within MLS told SBI on Tuesday. Schmid's current contract with the MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew expires on Sunday, meaning he could be introduced as Seattle's head coach as soon as Monday.
Crew owner Clark Hunt stated on Sunday that he believed talks had been going well with Schmid and that he hoped to sign Schmid to a new deal, but Seattle's ownership group has made Schmid a strong offer that sources say Schmid is prepared to accept. Details of the Seattle contract offer were unavailable at this time.
New England assistant Paul Mariner had also been considered a strong candidate for the position, but Schmid remains Seattle's top target and the sides are close to an agreement to bring Schmid back to the West Coast four years after being fired by the Los Angeles Galaxy. Schmid led the Galaxy to the 2002 MLS Cup title.
If and when a Schmid-to-Seattle deal is finalized, the Crew will be expected to turn to former Crew standout and long-time assistant coach Robert Warzycha to take over as head coach. Warzycha is one of the most respected assistants in MLS.
While Warzycha is likely to replace Schmid, Crew assistant Mike Lapper is expected to join Schmid's staff in Seattle, along with former Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer.
What do you think of Schmid going to Seattle? Is it a smart move for him? Do you love the move for Seattle? Do you think Warzycha is ready to take over and keep the Crew as title contenders?
Share your thoughts below.