On January 4, 2019, Columbus Crew announced Porter as their new head coach, to replace Gregg Berhalter, who had left to become the head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team. Porter’s appointment was made simultaneously with the announcement of Tim Bezbatchenko as Crew SC’s new president.

Porter helped lead Columbus to victory in MLS Cup 2020 but failed to lead the Crew to the playoffs in any other season. On October 10, 2022, after missing consecutive post-seasons — including a loss on the final day of the 2022 season – Porter was fired as Crew head coach.