Denver NWSL Hires Curt Johnson as First General Manager

Denver – Curt Johnson has been hired as the first General Manager of the Denver NWSL expansion franchise, the club announced Thursday morning.

The North Carolina native has over 25 years of front office experience at various levels of American Soccer. He was most recently the Chief Soccer Officer and GM at North Carolina Courage. He joined the club in 2017, their expansions season. They won two NWSL Championships and three NWSL Shields during his tenure. They’re arguably the winningest team in this iteration of the league with seven trophies alongside the older Portland Thorns.

Much of that success did come under Head Coach Paul Riley, who has since been banned from the league for sexual misconduct and verbal abuse while working at North Carolina and Portland.

Johnson won an MLS Cup with Sporting KC (then the Kansas City Wizards) in 2000. He’s spent time working for USL and NASL clubs as well. In addition to the Courage, he was part of the North Carolina FC front office. This included when they were the North Carolina RailHawks and during the RailHawked era when they were upsetting MLS teams in the U.S. Open Cup.

“I’m honored to join Denver NWSL and grateful to Rob Cohen and the entire ownership group for the opportunity. There’s incredible momentum around this club,” said Johnson in an opening statement.

“He brings championship-level experience, a collaborative spirit, and a clear passion for growing the game. He’s been a part of building some of the most successful organizations in our sport,” said controlling owner Rob Cohen.

It’s hard to argue this isn’t an amazing hire. Johnson has experience in MLS, the lower division’s on the men’s side, and WoSo. He’s won trophies multiple places. He knows his way around expansion teams.

New President Jen Millett has a good track record on the business side of the sport. They’re adding to the ownership group. The stadium and the training ground are on the way. Other than some queazy PR around the stadium district funding, they’re crushing it.

Make a good hire at head coach, having the training facility and temporary stadium ready for next year, and make some good signings and this club’s well on its way.

Photo Credit: Denver NWSL

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