On Tuesday, Matt Crocker resigned as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation, just two months before the World Cup, to accept a similar position with the Saudi Arabian soccer federation, sources informed ESPN.
The USSF announced that Crocker was leaving for an undisclosed international soccer opportunity, and according to a source who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, as the details of his new role were not yet public, he will be taking up his post in Saudi Arabia.
The timing of the decision raised eyebrows among federations, with one source describing it as “weird timing,” while another noted that the opportunity in Saudi Arabia was too significant for Crocker to decline.
Crocker was recognized for his role in hiring coaches Hayes and Pochettino, and his main responsibility involved developing strategic long-term plans for the sporting department.
This work included implementing the USSF’s “U.S. Way” strategy, which aimed to create alignment across all levels of the sport.
Ultimately, the success of Crocker’s vision will be gauged over time, but one federation source emphasized that the groundwork is laid and the USSF is poised to execute the initiatives.
The source stated, “It’s all systems go” for the U.S. Way.
Crocker’s move to the Saudi Arabian federation was originally reported by Fox.
His departure was unexpected, especially with the U.S. set to co-host the World Cup starting June 11, and with men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino’s contract concluding after the tournament. Next month, the USSF will inaugurate its 200-acre, 17-field training center and office complex in Fayetteville, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.
Dan Helfrich, who commenced his role as the U.S. federation’s chief operating officer in November, will provide executive oversight and support across the federation’s sporting operations, as stated by the USSF. He will collaborate with assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu, a former national team defender, and Tracey Kevins, who heads the development of the women’s youth national team.
Crocker, 51, was appointed by the USSF in April 2023 after serving as Southampton’s director of football since February 2020.
During his tenure, Crocker made pivotal decisions, including rehiring Gregg Berhalter as men’s coach in June 2023, dismissing Berhalter in July 2024 following a first-round exit at the Copa América, and recruiting Pochettino that September.
He also recommended hiring Emma Hayes as the women’s national team coach, starting spring 2024; Hayes previously led the women’s team to an Olympic gold medal.
This report includes contributions from ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle and The Associated Press.