Curt Johnson has announced his resignation as chief soccer officer for the North Carolina Courage, a move that the club confirmed on Wednesday. The Courage is set to begin the search for a successor right away, marking a significant transition in their leadership.
Johnson’s journey with the North Carolina Football Club spans an impressive 14 years, during which he developed a deep connection with the Courage since the team moved from Western New York in January 2017. His role encompassed managing player transactions and overseeing the technical aspects of the team. Under his guidance, the Courage has flourished, clinching three NWSL Shields and celebrating two NWSL Championships, achievements that resonate deeply with the fans and community.
Steve Malik, the majority owner of both the Courage and the men’s professional team NCFC, conveyed the club’s gratitude for Johnson’s dedication: “We are incredibly grateful for Curt’s 14 years with the North Carolina Football Club. 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.” This heartfelt acknowledgment underscores the bond and respect that Johnson has cultivated throughout his tenure.
While the Courage embarks on this search for new leadership, Malik will team up with senior vice president and assistant general manager Bobby Hammond to ensure the operations run smoothly on an interim basis. Hammond has frequently partnered with Johnson in the past, particularly when it comes to player transactions, which should help maintain continuity during the transition.
The Courage’s search for a new general manager is timely, as they join four other NWSL teams in seeking similar leadership amidst a wave of change in the league. Moreover, this reshuffling occurs against the backdrop of Malik’s negotiations to sell the team to Avenue Sports Group, led by former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry; negotiations that have unfortunately fallen through recently. This context hints at the complexity of the situation in North Carolina and suggests that the Courage will navigate some challenges in the days ahead.
What’s more notable is that, among the 14 active NWSL franchises, the Courage stands out as the only team that hasn’t undergone a change in majority ownership or governance over the past four years. Malik, who acquired the franchise rights from the Western New York Flash, has maintained a consistent presence in an ever-evolving landscape, a feat that speaks volumes about his commitment to the team.
Curt Johnson’s connection to the Courage runs deep, having experienced every level of soccer from youth leagues to professional ranks, engaging with both men’s and women’s teams. It’s a journey that began at the Capital Area Soccer Club, which later evolved into the youth club for North Carolina FC. Johnson has also captained the NC State University men’s soccer team, based just a stone’s throw from WakeMed Soccer Park, the Courage’s home base.
His leadership first took shape in 2011 when he became president of the Carolina RailHawks, the former name of the men’s team. From 2017 to 2023, he operated in a dual role for both NCFC and the Courage until he fully devoted himself to the women’s team.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey in the sport, Johnson remarked, “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. 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.” His pride in the development of soccer and the community is palpable, illustrating his unwavering passion for the game.
During Johnson’s tenure, the Courage also secured two NWSL Challenge Cups and pulled off a historic win in 2018 by claiming the inaugural Women’s International Champions Cup (ICC) after defeating the European champions, Lyon. These monumental achievements will be forever linked to his mark on the team.
As for the timing of his resignation, the club states, “Johnson and Malik collaborated on the timing of the resignation to minimize the disruption to the organization.” This careful planning reflects the club’s commitment to maintaining a stable environment for its players and staff during this sensitive shift in leadership.
Johnson’s departure heralds a new chapter for the Courage, one that comes with both uncertainty and opportunity. Fans and stakeholders are undoubtedly eager to see how Johnson’s legacy will continue to shape the club’s future as they move forward.
