We continue our look through the top stories of 2015 with No. 8 on the list, Craig Waibel’s meteoric rise through the Real Salt Lake organization.
Prior to the 2014 season, Waibel was hired away from the University of Washington, where he served as an assistant coach for two seasons at his alma mater. With additional coaching experience at the University of Michigan, he had fast risen through the ranks of the coaching world to join Head Coach Jeff Cassar’s staff after Cassar had taken over lead duties.
Working with RSL’s defense, the longtime MLS defender who had stints with the Colorado Rapids, LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo helped guide RSL to the third-ranked defense in MLS with just 39 goals allowed during the 34-game season. His on-field aptitude and knowledge of the workings of the league made him a prime candidate to take the role of Technical Director after the departure of longtime GM Garth Lagerwey.
He pieced together the team entering the 2015 season, but made his biggest splashes during the summer, particularly with the signing of Juan Manuel Martinez away from one of the biggest clubs in the world – Argentina’s Boca Juniors. That move was quickly lauded as one of the best summer moves in the league and positioned the club well for 2016 and beyond. After the completion of the transfer, Waibel was soon promoted to General Manager, ushering in a new regime at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Top 10 RSL Stories of 2015
10. Maund Emerges on Defense
9. The Launch of the Monarchs
8. Waibel Climbs the Ladder
7. 11/3
6. 11/4
5. 11/4
4. 11/5
3. 11/5
2. 11/6
1. 11/6
