Columbus Crew announce new president and head coach

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Crew has named Caleb Porter as head coach and Tim Bezbatchenko as its new president.

The moves come with a new ownership group led by Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam expected to take over and plans in the works for a new downtown stadium. The MLS team was at risk of being moved to Austin, Texas, by its present owners before the local group stepped in.

The 43-year-old Porter was head coach of the Portland Timbers from 2013-17, finishing there with a 68-50-52 record. Previously, he was head soccer coach at the University of Akron from 2006-12.

The 37-year-old Bezbatchenko was Toronto FC's vice president of soccer operations and general manager from 2013-18.

The Crew opens the season March 2.