Toronto FC loses influential assistant GM Dodd to Timbers

Jack Dodd, an important member of Toronto FC's front office who helped build the club from MLS doormat to champion, has left to join the Portland Timbers as their technical director.

Dodd spent nine years with Toronto, most recently as assistant general manager of player personnel and scouting.

Dodd watched the world for TFC, helping identify and acquire former MLS MVPs Sebastian Giovinco and Alejandro Pozuelo as well as Spanish midfielder Victor Vazquez.

While he did not seek the limelight, his efforts helped build the team that won the treble in 2017 with the MLS Cup, Canadian Championship and Supporters' Shield.

Dodd will work with GM Ned Grabavoy at the Timbers.

“After a comprehensive search, we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Jack Dodd to our technical staff,” Grabavoy said in a statement. “His extensive knowledge within the unique world of scouting, recruitment, and player acquisition will be a major asset to our club.

"Jack has vast experience within MLS, and a thorough understanding of the complexities in building a roster in this league. As we continue to evolve as a club, he will play a key role in helping the various levels throughout the club become more aligned in our approach. With his background and skill set, Jack is ready to embrace the role of technical director, and we couldn’t be more excited for him to get started with all of us here in Portland.”

Dodd leaves with Toronto FC's blessing.

"We're happy to see him recognized for his accomplishments," said Toronto president Bill Manning.

"I know Ned Grabavoy is a good man. (He) played at RSL (Real Salt Lake) when I was there (as president) and Portland historically has been a top club so Jack should be in good hands."

Grabavoy, a former MLS and Timbers player, joined Portland in November 2016 as the club's director of scouting and recruitment. He served as the Timbers technical director from 2019 to 2022, becoming GM in January.

Former GM Gavin Wilkinson was fired in October 2022 in the wake of a yearlong investigation into alleged misconduct and abuses across the National Women’s Soccer League. The Portland Thorns and Timbers share the same ownership.

Dodd and Jason Hernandez, a former TFC player who is assistant GM of player personnel, engagement and strategy, served under head coach Bob Bradley, who in his dual role as Toronto's sporting director is in charge of all player personnel decisions.

Before joining TFC, Dodd spent six years as a business development manager at Scout7, where he created and developed a player and club data management and recruitment system. During that time, the native of Derby. England, also served as a technical scout for Crystal Palace for a season (2013-2014) and an academy scout for Liverpool (2008-13).

Dodd, who earned a sports management degree at England's Coventry University, served as chief scout at TFC before being promoted to assistant GM in 2021.

"I am excited to be joining the Portland Timbers and would like to thank Ned and the rest of the organization for putting their trust in me,” said Dodd. “Every aspect of the club that I have experienced so far have left a positive impression upon me. I am fully committed to embracing this new challenge and giving everything that I can to help the Portland Timbers and this passionate fan base be successful."

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2023