Carl Craig is joining Minneapolis City as head coach for the 2023 USL League Two season.
The former Minnesota United and Forward Madison head coach is one of the most respected names in the game, with a wealth of experience at professional level as well as prior experience in the Premier Development League (which is now USL League Two). A fan favorite wherever he goes, Carl is a passionate, personable, former punk rocker who is as much a coach as he is a culture builder.
General Manager Matt VanBenschoten said “I’m delighted to have Carl join. He is a local legend with immense experience in the upper levels of the game, but most importantly he understands who we are as a club. He shares our commitment to Minnesota players, to our community, and to building something special together.”
The coaching staff will have two new faces this year. Peter Rivard, who was an assistant coach with Carl at Minnesota United and is now the Technical Director at Salvo SC, and Tom Kleczewski, who was a long-time assistant coach at St. Thomas University and is now the Club Director of Edina SC, will join the staff. John Pucci will continue as the goalkeeper coach.
“It is an exciting time for City. This is a top level coach, a top level staff, and they are committed to the local, uncorporate vision. Carl understands this club and he and his staff have the experience and quality to get us to the next level” said club co-founder Dan Hoedeman. Hoedeman continued, “I have to pay tribute to Matt [VanBenschoten] for his hard work and leadership. He won us trophy after trophy on the sidelines, and has done a vital job for us as General Manager now by leading the charge to bring in a head coach of Carl’s quality and such a strong staff.
