Real Salt Lake (RSL) is undergoing a major overhaul, according to reports from The Athletic. The team’s General Manager (GM) and some assistant coaches are set to depart the club. The restructuring aims to improve the developmental side of the club while maintaining competitiveness in Major League Soccer (MLS). It has also been reported that former RSL coach Jason Kreis is in advanced talks for a role with the club that is not on the coaching staff.
The changes include the departure of current GM Elliot Fall, with sources revealing that technical director Kurt Schmid will be elevated to chief soccer officer. Additionally, top assistants Matt Taylor, Ignacio Hernandez, and Brett Jacobs are reportedly being dismissed from Pablo Mastroeni’s coaching staff.
Schmid, who joined RSL ahead of the 2021 season, has been instrumental in negotiating deals for new players and working with the club’s scouting and youth development. Assistant GM Tony Beltran, a former RSL player, will take on increased responsibilities within the club.
The ownership change at RSL in 2022 led to a record transfer fee in 2023, signaling a new phase for the club. In 2023, RSL finished fifth in the Western Conference and is aiming for a strong 2024 season around a core of key players.
Jason Kreis, the former RSL head coach, is currently in talks for a role at the club, following attempts by Portland Timbers to bring him on board as an assistant. Kreis had previously led RSL to an MLS Cup victory in 2009 and also took the team to an MLS Cup appearance again in 2013.
Overall, the reported changes at RSL are indicative of a period of transition as the club looks to build for the future while seeking to maintain its competitive standing within MLS. This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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