Matt Crocker arrived at US Soccer in April 2023 as sporting director, pledging to guide the program into a new era. However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2025 as he stepped down to take a similar role with Saudi Arabia. The long-term plan he championed leaves a mixed legacy, with some appointments yielding early success while others remain unproven.
Crocker's first major decision was to reappoint Gregg Berhalter as US men's national team head coach after a lengthy review process. Berhalter was sacked seven months later following a group-stage exit at the 2024 Copa América, wasting precious time in the 2026 World Cup cycle. Critics pointed to the flawed process that brought Berhalter back with minimal margin for error.
His subsequent hire, Mauricio Pochettino, brought unprecedented club-level pedigree but no international experience. Pochettino's tenure has faced early struggles, including heavy defeats in friendlies less than two years before the World Cup. The ultimate verdict on this appointment will only come at the World Cup itself.
On the women's side, Crocker made no mistake by appointing Emma Hayes after the USWNT's worst World Cup showing. Hayes led the team to Olympic gold in 2024 and reinvigorated the program, earning praise for her 'WNT Way' philosophy that centres the women's game. Crocker also championed the broader 'US Way' project to align youth and senior teams, though its impact remains to be seen.
Overall, Crocker's tenure shows the gap between long-term planning and immediate results. While Hayes' appointment appears a clear success, the men's program's direction remains uncertain under his watch.
