Reigning champion Timbers lock coach Porter up with long-term deal

If his future with the Portland Timbers was ever in trouble, the 2015 MLS Cup fixed all that.

And now Caleb Porter has earned a new “long-term” deal with the reigning champs.

[ MORE: Galaxy make it formal with longtime Chelsea man Cole ]

Porter, 40, began his coaching career as an assistant at Indiana before making his name as the leader of the Akron Zips. After a stop leading the United States U-23’s failure to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, Porter took over at Portland.

The coach led Portland to a first-place finish in the Western Conference during his first season, but missed the playoffs in the following season. This year, the Timbers rallied to rescue a playoff spot very late in the season before running through the playoffs to win their first MLS Cup.

From Timbers.com:

“This long-term extension is well deserved, and we are pleased and proud to announce that Caleb Porter will remain with the Timbers as our head coach for many years to come,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager of the Timbers. “Caleb is one of the top coaches in MLS, and the progress and accomplishments this club has realized over the last three seasons under his direction speak for themselves. We are thrilled Caleb will continue to lead our team, and I look forward to continuing our relationship and working together to achieve all of our goals and continued success.”

More importantly for the Timbers, it gives them insurance should Porter’s star continue to rise. Some consider him a potential USMNT coach, while others are interested in his joining Bob Bradley as American coaches trying their hands in Europe.

Follow @NicholasMendola