The New England Revolution have a new head coach, announcing Tuesday that Caleb Porter has taken over ahead of the 2024 MLS season.
Porter joins New England as a two-time MLS Cup winner, previously steering the Portland Timbers (2015) and Columbus Crew (2020) to league titles. He's compiled a 113W-93L-89D regular-season record in MLS.
"Caleb Porter is a gifted and respected coach with more than two decades of coaching experience who has delivered MLS Cup championships to both of his previous clubs," sporting director Curt Onalfo said in a statement.
"Caleb has consistently demonstrated the leadership and tactical acumen needed to build a winning team in our league. We know he is the right person to lead our team, which we believe is already well-positioned to compete for trophies."
Taking the reins
Porter, named 2013 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year, arrives with nine years of MLS managerial experience after stops in Portland (2013-17) and Columbus (2019-22). He’s also led the United States U-23 national team and enjoyed a successful run at NCAA side Akron University.
With New England, Porter succeeds the all-time winningest coach in MLS history after Bruce Arena resigned in early September following a review into allegations that he made insensitive and inappropriate remarks. Arena had led the Revs since midway through the 2019 season, highlighted by a record-setting Supporters’ Shield title in 2021 (73 points).
"I’m honored to be named as the head coach of the New England Revolution. I’d like to start by thanking Robert and Jonathan Kraft, president Brian Bilello, and sporting director Curt Onalfo for this incredible opportunity," Porter said. "Throughout the interview process, it was clear the character, passion and ambition that the people in this club possess and I immediately felt connected and aligned with their strategy and values. The Revolution have a rich history and I’m driven to build off that strong foundation and help the players add to their legacy with the club.
“Lastly, I’m extremely motivated to reward the supporters for their undying loyalty over the past 27 years," Porter added. "I will work relentlessly to bring the first MLS Cup to this storied club and New England."
Building blocks
Porter, 48, brings vast MLS experience to the Revs and inherits a solid squad. Carles Gil and Tomás Chancalay are standout Designated Players after striker Gustavo Bou has departed. US international fullback DeJuan Jones and Dave Romney are defensive stalwarts, while U22 Initiative winger Dylan Borrero is expected back from a torn ACL he suffered last May.
Porter will be tasked with maximizing a promising group of homegrown players that’s led by England U-19 midfielder Noel Buck and US U-23 winger Esmir Bajraktarevic. Peyton Miller is ascending onto the first-team roster and featured for the US at last month’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.
One of the biggest questions facing New England is in goal after their midsummer transfer of Djordje Petrovic to Chelsea FC for a reported $17.5 million fee (plus add-ons). They signed Tomáš Vaclík as a replacement, but the Czech international is yet to feature.
Path forward
Following Arena’s departure, the Revs slid into the Eastern Conference’s No. 5 seed in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs under ex-interim coach Clint Peay. They were then swept in Round One by the Philadelphia Union.
New England’s 2024 slate begins with a Feb. 21 match at Panamanian side CA Independiente in the Concacaf Champions Cup (Round One).
