Originally published December 4, 2008 at 4:06 PM | Page modified December 4, 2008 at 4:54 PM

Former Columbus Crew coach Sigi Schmid interviewing for Sounders FC job

Schmid lead the Crew to 2008 MLS championship and is in Seattle talking with team's general manager

Seattle Times staff reporter

RENTON — Sigi Schmid is officially a candidate to be named head coach of Seattle Sounders FC, a prospect made clear by his appearance Thursday at Seahawks headquarters.

Schmid and general manager Adrian Hanauer met Thursday and are expected to continue the discussion about the job Friday. Schmid, who coached the Columbus Crew to the 2008 MLS championship, is no longer with Columbus after his contract expired Sunday. This is his first meeting with Sounders FC executives.

Schmid met Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren after Seahawks practice and was present as Freddie Ljungberg, Sounders FC's designated player, exchanged jerseys with Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Ljungberg is in town to take part in tonight's fashion show unveiling of the Sounders FC uniforms.

Schmid, 55, coached the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer from 1999 to 2004. He's guided the Crew the past three seasons, and has been head coach of the U.S. under-20 national team as well as at UCLA from 1980 to 1999.

Sounders FC is also in contract discussions with defender Jeff Parke, who is the only player the team chose in the expansion draft last week that is unsigned. Parke was also at Seahawks headquarters Thursday.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com

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