Curt Johnson has stepped down from his role as chief soccer officer of the North Carolina Courage, as announced by the club on Wednesday. The organization will promptly initiate a search to find Johnson’s successor.
During his 14 years with the North Carolina Football Club, Johnson has worked closely with the Courage since its relocation from Western New York in January 2017. In his position, he managed player transactions and oversaw the technical staff. He played a significant role in the team’s achievements, which include three NWSL Shields and two NWSL Championships.
“We are incredibly grateful for Curt’s 14 years with the North Carolina Football Club,” stated Steve Malik, the majority owner of the Courage and the men’s professional team NCFC. “His expertise and vision have been critical to our sustained on-field success, and he’ll leave a legacy with the solid foundation that the Courage laid under his tutelage. His tireless effort and commitment have paved the way for a bright future, and he will forever be intertwined with the history of our club.”
Malik will collaborate with senior VP and assistant GM Bobby Hammond to manage operations on an interim basis. Hammond has previously worked closely with Johnson regarding player transactions.
The Courage joins four other NWSL teams actively seeking a general manager or an equivalent technical leader.
This transition occurs amid broader changes within the North Carolina organization. Malik was in exclusive negotiations to sell the team to Avenue Sports Group, led by former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry; however, those discussions recently fell apart.
Of the 14 active NWSL franchises, North Carolina is unique in that it has not altered its majority ownership or governance in the last four years. Malik has owned the Courage since acquiring the franchise rights from the Western New York Flash.
Johnson leaves a club he has been connected to at all levels, from youth to professional, including both men’s and women’s teams.
His soccer journey began with youth soccer at the Capital Area Soccer Club, which later became the youth club for North Carolina FC. Johnson captained the NC State University men’s soccer team, located just minutes from the Courage’s home at WakeMed Soccer Park, before embarking on a professional career.
In 2011, he ascended to the presidency of the Carolina RailHawks, the previous name for the men’s team. He served in a dual capacity for both NCFC and the Courage from 2017 until 2023, at which point he dedicated himself completely to the Courage.
“As I reflect on my nearly 50-year involvement in soccer here in the Triangle, I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished together,” Johnson remarked in a statement. “Soccer was unknown to most when I started playing and the soccer community has poured their blood, sweat, and tears into growing the game. I’m proud to have played a part in building a youth-to-pro club that everyone in the Triangle and the state of North Carolina can be proud of.”
Under his leadership, the Courage also claimed two NWSL Challenge Cups and won the inaugural Women’s International Champions Cup (ICC) in 2018, defeating European champions Lyon.
According to the club, “Johnson and Malik collaborated on the timing of the resignation to minimize the disruption to the organization.”
Image Source: North Carolina FC @ YouTube
