The legendary manager, after whom the annual MLS Coach of the Year award is now named, passed away on Dec. 25, 2018. He was 65.
Schmid coached Crew SC from 2006-08, leading the Black and Gold to their only MLS Cup title in his final year in charge. Shortly after lifting the Philip F. Anschutz trophy, he departed to take over the expansion Seattle franchise, and the rest is history.
He led the Sounders from their inauguration into MLS in 2009 until midway through the 2016 season. Under his tenure, Seattle won four U.S. Open Cup titles, a Supporters’ Shield and qualified for the postseason in seven consecutive years.