US Soccer ‘may not hire new men’s coach until SEPTEMBER as federation looks for sporting director’

The US men’s national team has been without a permanent head coach since Gregg Berhalter’s contract expired on December 31, and that could remain so for a while, according to a new report.

The federation’s sporting director, Earnie Stewart, also resigned on January 26, and while the interview process for the role has reached “stage two,” ESPN said US Soccer is targeting a January 20 appointment, citing earlier statements July by USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone and CEO JT Batson.

Given that schedule, Cone said earlier this year that a new male manager might not be hired until September, the publication wrote.

In-person interviews have reportedly been scheduled for the post of sporting director, but US Soccer appears to be a long way from naming a permanent coach.

Since Berhalter — who remains a candidate for the role after completing an independent investigation into a 1992 domestic violence incident involving his now-wife Rosalind — left the job, Anthony Hudson has taken over on an interim basis.

First, however, US Soccer needs to hire a new sporting director after Stewart left for PSV Eindhoven. Brian McBride also resigned from his position as general manager, although it is not clear if that role will remain.

“We’ve been very happy with the people who have raised their hands and the conversations we’ve had so far,” Batson told reporters of the search for the sporting director.

“Some of the feedback is that we are a very unique organization. We have more national teams than anyone else in the world. So it’s a great opportunity, but it’s one that requires a certain level of sophistication… it’s exciting, but also a lot of work.

“So those were great talks. We have learned a lot from the process so far. It was a worldwide search. We interviewed people from all over the world. We’re thrilled with the traction we’ve made so far.’

Consulting firm Sportsology has been brought in to lead the search for the athletic director, with Sporting Kansas City’s Peter Vermes (who is also the team’s coach), Ernst Tanner of the Philadelphia Union and Mike Jacobs of Nashville SC among the candidates, according to ESPN.

Former USMNT defense attorney (and current USSF board member) Oguchi Onyewu has also been reported as a candidate by Fox Sports.

On the coaching side, Jose Mourinho has been linked with the job, while Thierry Henry has also expressed interest in coaching USA.