Jason Kreis Signs Extension With Real Salt Lake Through 2013

“As I’ve said many times in the nearly seven years since he became the face of our franchise, Jason continues to fit the profile of every great leader I have worked with throughout my career,” said RSL owner Dave Checketts. “The vote of confidence that ownership and management give today to Jason speaks for itself. Not only is he one of the best young coaches in MLS, he’s one of the best period. We are thrilled to have him here for a very long time.”

Kreis was the youngest active coach in MLS when he was hired and just three years later has gone from curiously young and inexperienced as a coach to one of the best in the league. With almost all of their key players under the age of 30, Real Salt Lake figures to be a leading contender to win the MLS Cup for the next several years.

“When I was hired nearly four years ago, I stated that it was time for action, that I was embracing a complete and utter challenge, undertaking tremendous responsibility,” said Kreis. “We have enjoyed some success here now at Real Salt Lake and the entire organization – players, coaches, staff, ownership, management and most importantly, the fans – believes, as I do, that ‘The Team is the Star.”

The end of Kreis’ contract extension comes at an interesting time, just eight months before United States national team coach Bob Bradley’s contract will end following the 2014 World Cup. Because many consider Kreis the best young American coach and maybe the best American coach period, his name has been bandied about as a future U.S. coach, possibly as soon as 2014.