Robert Warzycha, one of the Crew's all-time greats on the field, is set to begin his eighth season on the club's coaching staff and first as the head coach.

In the midst of that tenure, Warzycha distinguished himself during a 16-game stint as interim head coach from July 12, 2005 through the end of that season. Warzycha took over a 4-10-2 team and went 7-6-3 the rest of the way.

Following the season, he accepted the club's offer to remain on staff as Sigi Schmid's top assistant and become the first Crew assistant ever to sign a multi-year contract.

Warzycha's retirement following the 2002 season capped a highly decorated, 16-year playing career.

A native of Poland, Warzycha joined the Crew during its inaugural 1996 season and he remains the club's all-time assist leader (61), while ranking fifth in games played (160) and fourth in points (99). He added 19 goals in regular-season play and finished with two goals and nine assists in 17 career playoff games.

One of the most successful international signings in MLS history, Warzycha was best known for his set-piece proficiency. Warzycha spent the 2002 U.S. Open Cup championship season as a player/assistant coach, lending his expertise both on and off the field, before moving to the sidelines fulltime in 2003.

Prior to joining the Crew, Warzcha made 47 appearances with the Polish National Team from 1988-95 and enjoyed a three-year stint with Everton of the English Premier League (1991-94), among many career highlights.

A native of Siemkowice, Poland, Warzycha was born on Aug. 20, 1963. He and his wife, Eliza, have three children, sons Konrad and Bartosz and daughter Olivia. Konrad is a member of the Ohio State men's soccer team.