Real Salt Lake Names Kurt Schmid As New Technical Director

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has hired Kurt Schmid, son of legendary coach Sigi Schmid, as their new technical director. Schmid replaces Dan Egner who departed the club late last year to pursue another career path.

Schmid will work directly with RSL’s Vice President of Soccer Operations Rob Zarkos and General Manager Elliot Fall and will focus on strengthening the personnel of the first team, academy, and the Monarchs. A priority will also be on international and domestic scouting for the club.

“I have always taken an interest in how Real Salt Lake approaches youth development to enhance what has long been a successfully run organization,” Schmid said.  “I am eager for the opportunity to be a part of the Club’s continued growth in MLS and look forward to working with the staff to bring RSL back to prominence.”

Welcome to #RSL, Kurt!

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) February 11, 2021

The 2021 season will mark the 11th season for Schmid in MLS. He began his career working for the Seattle Sounders in 2009 where he acted as the General Manager for the Seattle Sounders two. Then, eight years later in 2017, he joined his father in Los Angeles as the Director of Player Personnel and Scouting. His final promotion came in 2019 when Inter Miami CF hired him as their Technical Director.

He joined RSL with over a decade of experience in Major League Soccer and will play a pivotal role in helping direct the club back to its winning ways.

Prior to his work in MLS, and immediately following a playing career at Wake Forest University and UCLA, Schmid embarked on a coaching career. Between 2007 and 2009 he was the head coach of a youth team titled West Coast F.C. while also acting as an Assistant coach for UC Irvine.