Oh, to get back to discussing Gregg Berhalter calling the best players back to camp! Oh, to live in a world where team moms and dads hadn’t threatened the coach of the United States men’s national team with retaliation for not playing his kid enough. At a World Cup.
No, we can’t go back in time and undo the Reyna family-driven investigation into Berhalter’s college years, the news that led to his contract expiring and Anthony Hudson being installed as interim boss while Director Earnie Stewart and general manager Brian McBride have resigned from their posts.
[ MORE: USMNT upcoming schedule ]
However, we can hope that the program is well on its way to a new coach as the program ramps up its preparation for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Alas, before the USMNT can have a permanent head coach — whether new or not – the association needs a new sports director. Yes, it’s a time of upheaval for US Soccer, whether Christian Pulisic, the team and all of us like it or not.
Here’s what you need to know about the process to determine the next USMNT trainer.
USMNT Coaching Search: Schedule, Candidates
You may be wondering what is taking so long?
Well, there’s i’s to dot and t’s to cross as the United States Soccer Federation makes sure they’re hiring the right person going forward.
Stewart’s departure to PSV Eindhoven on 15 February was a good development for the respected leader, who was previously technical director at NAC Breda and director of football affairs at AZ Alkmaar.
This exit is a bit of a celebration for the Stewart family and a validation of the man who was hired by the USMNT years ago, but now means each successor knows he is taking the helm of a federation born within a talented generation with many controversy is disputed. Remember, just get to the World Cup KO round.
US Soccer has hired a group called Sportsology to advise on the search for sports directors and conduct a “full review of US Soccer’s sports department”. If you’re wondering what exercise science is, here’s how the USSF describes the group:
“Sportsology Group specializes in providing world-class knowledge, insight, strategic advice and operational support to franchisees, global leagues and associations. Sportsology will work with US Soccer leadership to take a holistic view of US Soccer’s entire sports division. The goal is to ensure that US Soccer’s athletic department is well positioned to fulfill its vision for the future and support its ambitions at this crucial time for sport in the United States.”
Sportsology was launched by former Chelsea director Mike Forde, who serves as Executive Chairman, and he is joined by Head of Advisory Services, Joel Cohen, who, according to Sportsology, “works extensively with major European football clubs, NBA and NHL franchises.” and special projects director Chris Mann worked together.
US Soccer has announced that CEO JT Batson will oversee the leadership group once Stewart has departed for the Netherlands and has listed the following group members:
Kate Markgraf, USWNT Executive Director
Barry Pauwels, Senior Director of Technical Development
Elaine Lemos, athletic director
Tom King, Managing Director of Administration
Rick Cost, Head of High Performance Division
Dan Russell, Senior Director of Sports Development
George Chiampas, Chief Medical Officer
The search for the sporting director – Oguchi Onyewu has been linked – and the head coach will be done simultaneously, but the sporting director will eventually choose the head coach. got it Good.
USMNT coaching candidates
Gregg Berhalter: Led the USMNT to the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, where they lost 3-1 to the Netherlands.
Jim Curtin: The longtime Philadelphia Union head coach has done a remarkable job of transforming the MLS club into an MLS powerhouse.
Jess March: The remarkably emotional manager, who was sacked by Leeds United this winter, has found success in Europe with Red Bull Salzburg and in MLS with New York Red Bulls.
Thierry Henry: The former Belgian assistant and current domestic broadcaster – oh, he’s also one of the best to ever hit a ball – has been linked with taking the reins of USMNT.
Patrick Viera: His recent sacking by Crystal Palace and his status as a respected MLS boss from his NYCFC days make him an intriguing late addition to the list.
Jose Mourinho: AS Roma are currently doing quite well on several fronts, we all know that Mourinho rarely lasts long at any given point.
Marcelo Bielsa: Do you want intensity and attention to detail? The former Leeds boss would certainly be a brilliant appointment for the USMNT.
Steve Cherundolo: The original Captain America, Cherundolo is respected around the world and has shone within long-standing club Hannover 96 in Germany. He led LAFC to the Supporters’ Shield last season.
