Darlington Nagbe Returns to Columbus Crew in Coaching Role

Former Crew midfielder takes on individual development coach position

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Four-time MLS Cup champion Darlington Nagbe is back with the Columbus Crew, four months after retiring as a player. Nagbe will take on an individual development coach role, working with players from the academy level to the first team to create customized improvement plans.

Why it matters

Nagbe's return to the Crew organization in a coaching capacity represents a continuation of his long association with the club, where he won two MLS Cup titles as a player. His experience and leadership will be valuable in helping develop the next generation of Crew talent.

The details

Nagbe will focus on "creating customized improvement plans tailored to the needs of each player" as he works with players across the Crew's academy system and first team. He cited the club's resources and ability to provide young players access to top-quality coaching and first-team players as key factors in his decision to take on this new role.

  • Nagbe retired as a player at the end of the 2025 season.
  • Nagbe was hired as an individual development coach in February 2026.

The players

Darlington Nagbe

A former Crew midfielder who won four MLS Cup titles over his 15-year playing career, including two with Columbus. He has now returned to the club in a coaching role focused on individual player development.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to remain a part of the Crew family and still be part of this club. I now get a chance to be part of the staff to help the young athletes at our club develop in soccer but also off the field, to be a voice of reason and support, and do whatever I can to give back in any way possible.”

— Darlington Nagbe (The Columbus Dispatch)

The takeaway

Nagbe's transition from player to coach with the Crew represents a valuable opportunity for the club to leverage his experience and leadership to help develop the next generation of talent. His focus on customized player improvement plans aligns with the Crew's commitment to cultivating well-rounded athletes both on and off the field.