West Wake News

The North Carolina Courage announced the departure of Chief Soccer Officer Curt Johnson, who has decided to pursue other opportunities. An international search for his replacement will commence immediately.

Courage Majority Owner and Chairperson Steve Malik, along with Senior Vice President/Assistant General Manager Bobby Hammond, will manage daily technical operations until a new Chief Soccer Officer is appointed. The timing of Johnson's resignation was coordinated with Malik to minimize organizational disruption.

Johnson's tenure with the North Carolina Football Club spanned 14 years, during which he played a pivotal role in the team's relocation from Western New York after the 2016 NWSL season. Under his leadership, the Courage achieved significant success, winning seven league trophies including three NWSL Shields, two NWSL Championships, and two Challenge Cups. The team also secured the 2018 International Champions Cup and maintained a regular season record of 87 wins, 48 losses, and 31 draws under Johnson’s guidance.

Johnson joined as President of the Carolina RailHawks in 2011 and later worked with both men's and women's teams from 2017 through 2023. He helped North Carolina FC win the USL League One Championship in 2023 before focusing solely on the Courage.

Steve Malik expressed gratitude for Johnson's contributions: “We are incredibly grateful for Curt’s 14 years with the North Carolina Football Club. His expertise and vision have been vital to our sustained on-field success... Our focus now is a worldwide search for the next leader of our technical staff who will fit our culture and vision to build upon our successes.”

Reflecting on his career, Johnson said: “As I reflect on my nearly 50-year involvement in soccer here in the Triangle... I’m proud to have played a part in building a youth-to-pro club that everyone in the Triangle and state of North Carolina can be proud of."

Curt Johnson grew up playing soccer at Capital Area Soccer Club (now NCFC Youth) and holds memberships in several halls of fame including those at Ravenscroft School Sports Hall of Fame and NC State University where he captained their men’s soccer team.

His professional journey began with adidas and Richmond Kickers before serving as General Manager for Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) where he led them to multiple victories including an MLS Cup. After returning to North Carolina following time with Carolina Hurricanes, he concluded his career as one of American Soccer's most decorated General Managers/Chief Soccer Officers.