In a surprising turn of events, Wilfried Nancy, the former head coach of Columbus Crew, has officially returned to his former club, CF Montréal, taking on a new role as Senior Coaching Advisor. The move was confirmed earlier today by both organizations, sending shockwaves through the MLS community.
Nancy, who made history with Columbus Crew by leading them to a stellar playoff run in 2023 and helping build one of the most dynamic attacking systems in the league, will now bring his experience and leadership back to the Canadian side where his coaching journey began.
A Full-Circle Moment
Wilfried Nancy originally joined the CF Montréal (formerly Montréal Impact) organization in 2011, working in various roles including academy coach and assistant coach before becoming head coach in 2021. His progressive style and emphasis on youth development earned him widespread praise.
His return comes amid a period of rebuilding for CF Montréal, who have struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Nancy’s new position as Senior Coaching Advisor will focus on long-term development, mentorship of coaching staff, and overseeing technical strategies at all levels of the club.
“This is more than a return—it’s a continuation,” said Nancy during a brief press conference. “I have deep ties to Montréal, and I’m excited to contribute in a role that allows me to shape the future of the club beyond the sidelines.”
Columbus Crew Reacts
Columbus Crew released a statement thanking Nancy for his contributions, acknowledging his role in revitalizing the squad and bringing a new culture of competitiveness.
“Wilfried Nancy left an indelible mark on our organization,” the statement read. “While we are sad to see him go, we wish him nothing but success in his new journey.”
Assistant coach Yoann Damet is expected to serve as interim head coach until a permanent replacement is announced.
What’s Next?
This move not only highlights Nancy’s commitment to development but also reflects a growing trend in MLS of clubs investing in long-term footballing structures. As Senior Coaching Advisor, Nancy will work closely with CF Montréal’s management and youth academy, aiming to build a pipeline of talent capable of competing at the highest level.
For fans of both Columbus Crew and CF Montréal, this marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another — with plenty to watch for in the coming months.
