Sigi Schmid was named the first head coach of Seattle Sounders FC on Dec. 16, 2008, and is recognized as one of the most successful coaches in MLS history. Since 1999, Schmid’s teams have won six major titles, including two MLS Cups.

Schmid is the most successful active coach in MLS history and a two-time coach of the year. This past 2008 season he guided the Columbus Crew to both their first MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield (best regular season point total), earning MLS Coach of the Year.

From 1999 through 2004 Schmid’s L.A. Galaxy teams won four major competitions: 2002 MLS Cup, 2002 MLS Supporters’ Shield, 2001 U.S. Open Cup and the 2001 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

He was voted the MLS Coach of the Year in his first season, 1999. Altogether, his Galaxy teams were 79-53-32 and reached the MLS Cup final four times and won three division crowns.

Schmid ranks No. 2 in MLS career victories (113), behind only Bob Bradley (124), current U.S. National Team coach. In nine seasons, Schmid’s teams have won 113 games, lost 86 and tied 57. His combined postseason win total (19) from L.A. and Columbus is the highest in MLS history.

At Columbus, Schmid inherited a sixth-place team. The Crew improved their win totals from eight to 11 in 2007 and to 17 in 2008. His three-year mark in Ohio was 34-33-25, culminating in the title.

Twice Schmid has served as U.S. Under-20 National Team head coach, most recently in 2005 at the FIFA World Championships. Schmid was an assistant to Bora Milutinovic on the Americans’ 1994 World Cup team. He also was head coach for the 1991 World University Games and 1995 Pan American Games.

Schmid has coached six of the current Seattle roster players at the pro, college or national team level. Peter Vagenas played eight seasons in college (UCLA, 1995-97) and pro (Galaxy, 2000-04) under Schmid and won a championship at both levels. Tyrone Marshall played two seasons with the Galaxy (2002-04). Brad Evans played for the MLS Cup champion Crew in Columbus. Patrick Ianni and Nathan Sturgis were members of the U-20 National Team in 2005. Kasey Keller was with Schmid and the national B team in 1989.

Scores of Schmid’s UCLA players have played professionally and internationally, including Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson (1989-90). Others include Brad Friedel, Cobi Jones, Paul Caligiuri,  Eddie Lewis and Carlos Bocanegra.

Schmid first forged a winning tradition at his alma mater, UCLA. After serving as an assistant, he was elevated to head coach of the Bruins in 1980, beginning a 19-year run at the helm. His first NCAA championship was won in 1985 at Seattle’s Kingdome.

UCLA went on to claim two more national titles in 1990 and ’97. Schmid was named national coach of the year following the ’97 championship. When he left to take over the Galaxy, his UCLA teams had accumulated a record of 322-63-33.

Schmid is a member of both the National Soccer and UCLA halls of fame.

Born in Tübingen, Germany, Schmid relocated with his family to the U.S. in 1956, and to Torrance, Ca., in 1962. He was a four-year starter at UCLA (1972-75). He graduated with a B.S. degree in economics in 1976 and later earned a M.A. in business administration from the University of Southern California. Schmid is a Certified Public Accountant.

He and his wife, Valerie, maintain a residence in Manhattan Beach. He has four children: Erik, Lacey, Kurt and Kyle. Kurt completed his second season as an assistant coach at UC Irvine in 2008. Kyle completed his career at UC Irvine in 2008.