Schmid, who coached UCLA to NCAA titles in 1985, 1990 and 1997, is one of only two coaches to win both MLS and college national titles. Bruce Arena, who won MLS titles with D.C. United in 1996 and 1997, lifted the NCAA trophy with Virginia in 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994.
Schmid replaces Greg Andrulis, who was fired in July after guiding the Crew to a 4-10-2 record. Schmid, 52, will retain as assistant coach Robert Warzycha, who took over from Andrulis on an interim basis.