Fresh off winning the MLS Cup in December, the Portland Timbers have rewarded coach Caleb Porter with plenty of chances to do it again.
The Timbers have signed Porter to a "long-term contract extension," the club announced on Wednesday.
“This long-term extension is well deserved, and we are pleased and proud to announce that Caleb Porter will remain with the Timbers as our head coach for many years to come," general manager Gavin Wilkinson said in a statement. "Caleb is one of the top coaches in MLS, and the progress and accomplishments this club has realized over the last three seasons under his direction speak for themselves."
Porter, 40, has compiled one of the league’s best records among active coaches, going 41-25-36 in his MLS career, a .578 winning percentage. Under Porter, Portland’s combined point total (159) ranks as the fourth most in MLS, behind the New York Red Bulls (169), Seattle Sounders FC (167) and LA Galaxy (165).
A midfielder with the San Jose Clash (now Earthquakes) before his own playing career was cut short by injury, Porter made an immediate impact since taking the helm of the Timbers in 2013, winning the 2013 Coach of the Year honor and leading his team to the Western Conference semifinals.
Porter came to the Timbers after a rocky stint in charge of the US Under-23 team, suffering a failed campaign to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. Before that, he coached the University of Akron for six years, winning the NCAA national title in 2010.
“It’s hard to imagine a better cultural, tactical and philosophical fit to lead the Portland Timbers on the pitch than Caleb Porter,” Timbers owner Merritt Paulson said in a statement.
