The New England Revolution have replaced one coaching legend with another ahead of the 2024 MLS season.
Caleb Porter has been hired as the new head coach of the Eastern Conference club, the Revs announced Tuesday. A two-time MLS Cup winner, Porter takes over for Bruce Arena, who served as head coach of the Revs from June 2019 to September 2023.
The 48-year-old last served as head coach of the Columbus Crew from January 2019-October 2022. During his tenure in Columbus, Porter posted a 52-39-46 record across all competitions, winning MLS Cup in 2020 and the Campeones Cup in 2021.
In total, Porter has registered a 113-93-89 regular season record to date between spells as head coach of the Crew and Portland Timbers. Porter led the Timbers to an MLS Cup title in 2015.
“Caleb Porter is a gifted and respected coach with more than two decades of coaching experience who has delivered MLS Cup championships to both of his previous clubs. Caleb has consistently demonstrated the leadership and tactical acumen needed to build a winning team in our league,” Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo said. “We know he is the right person to lead our team, which we believe is already well positioned to compete for trophies.”
“I’m honored to be named as the head coach of the New England Revolution. I’d like to start by thanking Robert and Jonathan Kraft, President Brian Bilello, and Sporting Director Curt Onalfo for this incredible opportunity,” Porter said. “Throughout the interview process, it was clear the character, passion and ambition that the people in this club possess and I immediately felt connected and aligned with their strategy and values. The Revolution have a rich history and I’m driven to build off that strong foundation and help the players add to their legacy with the club.
Prior to his move to MLS, Porter led the University of Akron men’s soccer team from 2006-12, winning the NCAA Division 1 national championship in 2010. Porter led the Zips to seven consecutive Mid-American Conference regular season championships and four MAC Tournament titles, including four in a row from 2007-10.
He compiled a 123-18-17 record at Akron and garnered numerous honors including National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Coach of the Year (2009) and six consecutive MAC Coach of the Year awards from 2007-12.
The Revolution reached the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2023 before suffering elimination at the hands of the Philadelphia Union over two matches.
Pretty solid resume
You forgot to mention how many professional players he coached at Akron?