Jason Kreis returns to RSL in newly formed hybrid business, sporting role

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SALT LAKE CITY — A central piece from the "Camelot" days of Real Salt Lake is returning to the Salt Lake Valley.

RSL president John Kimball announced Tuesday the hiring of former head coach and player Jason Kreis as the club's first-ever director of operations and special projects. Kreis will report to Kimball and work in support of head coach Pablo Mastroeni on the soccer side, as well, as "integrating numerous business and community initiatives," according to the club's release.

"There is literally nothing Jason has not seen or experienced from a coaching and playing perspective as the league and sport have grown domestically," Kimball said in a statement. "His history as an architect of our club's greatest accomplishments will surely serve us in support of our corporate partners, our fan and media communities, and various initiatives to come."

Kreis was the first player in RSL club history when he was traded to Utah from the Dallas Burn in 2004. He became the first player in MLS history to reach 100 career goals during RSL's inaugural season in 2005 and retired from playing in 2007 to take over as the club's head coach, leading RSL to its first and only MLS Cup in 2009.

Home sweet home pic.twitter.com/VPHtO90545
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) December 12, 2023

"It is no secret that the Dave Checketts days are often referred to as 'Camelot' by those of us who were lucky enough to experience the highs and lows of building this club," Kreis said. "With David Blitzer and Ryan Smith now serving as the community stewards for our beloved club, the opportunities here are boundless."

The "Camelot" days of Kreis' first stint in Utah also included a run to the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2011 and the finals of both the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup in 2013. In December 2013, Kreis was announced as the first-ever head coach of New York City FC, signaling his departure from RSL.

The remainder of his decade away from Utah included coaching stints with Orlando City SC, the United States U-23 team, Fort Lauderdale CF and most recently Inter Miami CF until head coach Phil Neville and his staff were let go in June.

Kreis' youngest son is currently in his third year at the University of Utah, and the RSL legend said he and his family are "elated to return to Utah for this outstanding opportunity."