Latest news with #BrianBliss

Yahoo

Former defender, technical director Brian Bliss returns to Columbus Crew

Former Crew defender and technical director Brian Bliss is returning to the team as academy director, the club announced on June 9. Bliss was a member of the Crew's inaugural team in 1996, playing over a season with Columbus before being traded to the New York Red Bulls (formerly the MetroStars). Eleven years after leaving Columbus, Bliss made his first return to the club as the technical director, a role he held for six seasons. Bliss served as interim head coach during his final two months with the Crew before moving on to the Chicago Fire at the end of the 2013 season. Advertisement "Obviously Brian has a wealth of experience," Crew technical director Marc Nicholls said. "And the fact that he was in Columbus, knows our city, knows our club is a real big bonus as well." Sep 14, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Columbus Crew head coach Brian Bliss before the match against the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports Prior to coaching and eventual front office roles, Bliss accumulated 12 years playing professionally, including 33 appearances with the United States national team. Bliss' previous position before rejoining Columbus was Sporting Kansas City's director of player personnel. He took over the role in 2016 and left the team during the 2024 season. "Considering the fact that he's been a technical director and a director of player personnel, we think it's a testament to the club that he would be interested in a role like this," Nicholls said. "Part of the scope of the role now is dealing with young talent. ... He's somebody that understands the pathway inside and out, has lived it and can really focus on the details that comes with the development." Advertisement Dan Lock, who held the Crew's academy director role for two years before Bliss, will be the Crew academy head of coaching and individual development. bmackay@ @brimackay15 Get more Columbus Crew content by listening to our podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew name Brian Bliss as academy director