Hot Take of the Week: Is Dean Smith one of the top coaches in MLS?
By Brian Maurer | @BAMaurermedia
Dean Smith just became the second coach in MLS history to start his tenure in the league with three straight seasons of 50+ points. Demonstrating that he can lead the club to a high level of consistency.
Is this enough to consider Smith one of the top coaches in MLS right now?
While there are few coaches in MLS that can hang their hat on the level of consistency Charlotte FC has been demonstrating during the Smith-era, there have been several who can say their résumés hold far higher ceilings.
To be a top coach, you have to be able to balance both consistent longevity with a high-ceiling peak. There are currently several up-and-coming coaches in MLS who fit that bill.
Here is a list of some of the most successful coaches in MLS right now:
BJ Callaghan - First two full seasons in Nashville and has two trophies (US Open Cup and Supporters' Shield) to show for it. Could also lead Nashville SC to all-time MLS points record this season.
Jasper Sørensen - Finishing his second season with Vancouver Whitecaps. Has won one trophy and has led the Whitecaps to multiple finals.
Brian Schmetzer - The Seattle Sounders are having a down year, but Schmetzer has had one of if not the most steady career in MLS history and has an extremely high ceiling with a Concacaf Champions Cup win to show for it as well.
Pat Noonan - Noonan lifted FC Cincinnati out of a historically deep hole and could lead them to a fifth consecutive playoff appearance since his arrival. He also has a Supporters' Shield trophy to show for his time, even if this season has been a chaotic one.
Ben Olsen - Has led Houston to 50+ point seasons in three of his four years in charge and has led the Dynamo to a US Open Cup trophy as well.
Other names to consider are Greg Vanney and Bruce Arena, who are currently struggling for consistent success with LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes respectively, but who have put up terrific runs throughout their MLS coaching careers and are legends in this league.
Up-and-coming names who have gotten their coaching careers off to a fast start are Marko Mitrovic with New England Revolution and Yoann Damet in St. Louis City, but neither has the tenure yet, just high levels of potential.
Arguments for Dean Smith being one of the top coaches in MLS:
Smith has now put himself into a rare category among current MLS coaches in terms of consistency.
Very few coaches can say they hit 50+ points every season in MLS.
Has helped develop several players who have moved on for large transfer fees.
Arguments against Dean Smith being one of the top coaches in MLS:
Smith has not won any trophies.
To be considered a top coach you have to do more than qualify for playoffs, even if it's consistent qualification.
Too many other coaches in MLS have won trophies and are consistently hunting for playoffs for Smith to be considered one of the top MLS coaches.
