SIGI SCHMID

BORN: March 20, 1953

SPORT: Soccer

POSITION: Head Coach

AFFILIATION: Sounders FC

HIRED: Signed by the Sounders on Dec. 16, 2008

Sigi Schmid was named the first head coach of Seattle Sounders FC and is recognized as one of the most successful coaches in Major League Soccer history. Since 1999, Schmid’s teams have won six major titles, including two MLS Cups. Schmid is the most successful active coach in MLS history and a two-time coach of the year. In 2008 season, he guided the Columbus Crew to their first MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield (best regular season point total), earning MLS Coach of the Year. He was Sounders Majority Owner Joe Roth’s top coaching choice from the beginning. Schmid made his first mark in the MLS with Los Angeles. From 1999 through 2004 Schmid’s L.A. Galaxy teams won four major competitions: 2002 MLS Cup, 2002 MLS Supporters’ Shield, 2001 U.S. Open Cup and the 2001 CONCACAF Champions Cup. He was voted the MLS Coach of the Year in his first season, 1999.  His Galaxy teams went 79-53-32 and reached the MLS Cup final four times and won three division crowns. Schmid began his winning ways as head coach of UCLA. Under his guidance, the Bruins went on to claim three national titles in 1985, 1990 and ’97. Schmid was named National Coach of the Year following the 1997 season. When he left to take over the Galaxy, his UCLA teams had accumulated a record of 322-63-33. Schmid is a member of the National Soccer and UCLA halls of fame. Born in Tuebingin, Germany, Schmid relocated with his family to the U.S in 1956 and moved to Torrance, Calif., in 1962. He was a four-year starter at UCLA (1972-75). He and his wife, Valerie, maintain a residence in Manhattan Beach.

First Press Conference (12/16/2008)

• Joe Roth, Sounders FC majority owner: “We believe Sigi is a perfect fit for what Sounders FC sought in hiring its first head coach. Sigi is a proven champion in this league and beyond.”
• Schmidt’s reaction: “There are many reasons for me wanting to come to Seattle. Everything I’ve seen and heard since I interviewed here shows this franchise has backed-up their pledge to the fans to make this a very, very special team. I’m excited to be part of that. I couldn’t ask for a better situation, a better challenge for me at this point in my life. This job was attractive to me because this franchise is doing everything at a level of the highest quality.”
• Schmidt, on taking over the job: “My whole goal is to win games. But you can’t win games without great players. I’ve never been a coach that believes that I’m the solution, or I’m the answer. All that I am is a conduit to try and create an environment that allows the athletes that I’ve been blessed with to coach to perform, and to perform at the best of their abilities on the field. If I can get the most out of each individual that plays for me, winning will take care of itself.”

Career Highlights

• Schmidt is the most successful active coach in MLS history.
• Ranks No. 2 in career MLS victories (114).
• In 2008 season, Schmidt guided Columbus crew to MLS Cup Championship and Supporters’ Shield (best regular season record).
• Named MLS Coach of the Year 2008
• Named Columbus Crew coach 2007
• U-20 National team head coach 2005
• Head Coach Los Angeles Galaxy: 1999-2004. Overall, posted record 79-53-32 and reached MLS Cup finals four times and captured division crown three times
• Guided Galaxy to 2001 Supporters’ Shield and CONCACAF Champions Cup
• Led LA to 2002 U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup Championship
• Named Coach of the Year, 1999, during first year at the Galaxy
• Named head coach of the UCLA men’s soccer team in 1980, a tenure that lasted 19 years and included three national championships
• Named National College Coach of the Year in 1997 following the Bruins third national title
• At UCLA, Schmidt compiled an overall record of 322-63-33

Coaching Chronology

• 1980-97: UCLA, head coach.
• 1994: U.S. National Team, assistant coach for World Cup team.
• 1999-2004: Los Angeles Galaxy, head coach.
• 2005: U-20 U.S. National Team, head coach.
• 2007-2008: Columbus Crew, head coach.
• 2009: Seattle Sounders FC, head coach.

ASSISTANT COACHES

• Brian Schmetzer
• Tom Dutra
• Ezra Hendrickson
• Kurt Schmid