Did you know the United States men’s national team (USMNT) didn’t make it past the Copa America group stage? They were out after just three games1. This was a big letdown and meant Gregg Berhalter’s time as head coach was over. Now, the team needs to find a new coach before the 2026 World Cup.
Berhalter’s time leading the USMNT didn’t meet expectations1. Even though the team made it to the 2022 World Cup’s round of 16, they’ve struggled since1. His rehiring in 2023 worried many who didn’t see any progress2. Clint Dempsey, a USMNT legend, questioned if Berhalter was the right leader. He stressed the importance of finding a better coach2.
Finding the right next coach is vital for the USMNT’s future1. The team has many promising players. They just need the right strategy and leadership. With this, they can achieve much more.
Key Takeaways:
- The USMNT failed to progress past the group stage in the Copa America
- Berhalter’s tenure as the head coach resulted in unmet expectations
- The team has not shown improvement since the 2022 World Cup
- A new coach is needed to unlock the potential of the USMNT players
- The next coach selection is crucial for the team’s success in the 2026 World Cup
Candidates for the USMNT Head Coach Job
U.S. Soccer is on the hunt for a new USMNT head coach. Several candidates have caught their attention. The decision to dismiss Gregg Berhalter came after a disappointing Copa América. The team didn’t make it past the group stage3.
Steve Cherundolo is a top pick for the job. He leads LAFC and has a rich history with the USMNT. As a former player and successful assistant coach, he’s a favorite in the soccer world45.
Jim Curtin of the Philadelphia Union is also in the running. His leadership has brought success to his MLS team. His well-known skills in tactics and developing young players make him a strong choice for U.S. Soccer5.
Hervé Renard, the French national women’s team coach, is another strong contender. With global experience and a track record of success, he’s highly considered. He’s known for his tactical knowledge and getting the best out of his players4.
Other names like Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino, and Thomas Tuchel are being eyed too. Their chances of landing the job vary. The search is wide, aiming to find someone who can win and build the team5.
Finding the right coach is crucial for U.S. Soccer. They want someone in place before the September games. This will help with planning and player relations. The new coach will be key in shaping a strong, victorious USMNT3.
| Candidate | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Steve Cherundolo | 8 out of 10 |
| Herve Renard | N/A |
| Jurgen Klopp | 2 out of 10 |
| Jim Curtin | 2 out of 10 |
| Other Candidates | N/A |
Steve Cherundolo
Steve Cherundolo is a top pick for the USMNT head coach spot. He’s LAFC’s head coach and brings a lot of skill and wins. Cherundolo shined as a USMNT player and as a coach.
Cherundolo has led LAFC for four years, showing he’s dedicated to making a strong team. Under his guidance, LAFC won big, including the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup in 20226. Cherundolo knows how to create a team that wins.
His time playing for the USMNT gives him great insight into team work and international soccer. Cherundolo played 87 games for the USMNT, proving he was crucial on the field. This experience makes him an ideal coach candidate6.
Combining his coaching wins and background as a player, Cherundolo is a strong pick for the USMNT head coach. His achievements with LAFC show he can lead a team to success. His national team experience gives him a deep understanding of soccer at the high level. Cherundolo is well-prepared for the role6.
| Steve Cherundolo | Age | Coaching Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | Successful coaching spell with LAFC, leading them to a Supporters’ Shield and an MLS Cup double in 2022 |
Why Steve Cherundolo?
Steve Cherundolo is a standout choice for the USMNT head coach position. His record as a coach, his time with the national team, and his leadership all show he’s exceptional. His history demonstrates his capability to boost the USMNT.
Jim Curtin
Jim Curtin is a leading contender for the USMNT head coach job. He commands respect as the coach of the Philadelphia Union. With a stellar track record in Major League Soccer (MLS), Curtin has shown he’s a top-notch coach7. His leadership took the Union to three U.S. Open Cup finals and an MLS Cup final. For his tactical skill and talent development, he won the MLS Coach of the Year title7.
Curtin stands out as a strong candidate for the USMNT head coach position. Even though being an MLS coach might be seen as a drawback, Curtin sees it differently7. His achievements show he can excel as a coach7. He’s great at developing young players, which is crucial for the USMNT, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching7.
Curtin knows American soccer well. This could reduce the divide between MLS and the national team. While some prefer a foreign coach, Curtin’s MLS success could offer valuable insights7.
As the 2026 World Cup opener nears, Curtin’s experience could be a key asset. His knowledge of MLS and American soccer equips him to face the role’s challenges7.
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
If Curtin becomes the USMNT head coach, he might bring a fresh perspective. With support from USSF sporting director Matt Crocker7, his guidance and strategic mind could lead the USMNT to achieve great things in the 2026 World Cup and after7.
Hervé Renard
Hervé Renard is the head coach of France’s women’s national team. He is known for lifting teams to new heights. Renard led Zambia and Ivory Coast to victories in the African Cup of Nations9. His win with Zambia in 2012 was on his second try9.
Renard also took Morocco to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He helped Saudi Arabia win against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup9. He even guided France’s women to the quarterfinals of a major tournament9. Despite not coaching in the US, his achievements make him a strong choice for the USMNT coach job9.
Renard’s track record offers a fresh coaching style for the USMNT. There are other good candidates, though. It’s important the USMNT weighs its options carefully. This will help ensure the team gets the best coach to lead.
Other Potential Candidates
Besides the leading choices, U.S. Soccer might look at other potential coaches. This list includes Jürgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and others. Each coach has unique skills and experiences5.
“Jürgen Klopp has a talent for building winning teams. His success at Liverpool, including a Premier League and Champions League victory, is impressive. His current commitment to Liverpool means he might not join USMNT soon.”5
“Steve Cherundolo is a great pick for USMNT coach. He’s played over 400 games for Hannover 96 and has coaching experience. His deep knowledge of American soccer and a great playing career make him a strong contender.”10
“Gareth Southgate, the English team’s coach, did well to reach the Euro 2020 final. Despite his skills and focus on young players, he might not leave his current job for the USMNT role.”5
“Jim Curtin, of the Philadelphia Union, is skilled in the MLS. Winning Coach of the Year twice and making it to the MLS Cup final in 2022 are big achievements. Moving to international coaching, though, could be challenging for him.”10
“Patrick Vieira, winner of the MLS Cup with Columbus Crew, has a rich background. His playing days at Arsenal and under Arsène Wenger influenced his coaching style. Still, his chances to coach USMNT are seen as moderate.”10
“Hugo Perez knows the U.S. youth system well from his time managing the U.S. U15 team. A lack of recent top coaching roles might lower his odds for the USMNT job.”10
“Thierry Henry, now coaching at Montreal Impact, has vast soccer knowledge and experience. Yet, his brief coaching career and current job situation make him an unlikely choice for USMNT.”5
“David Wagner has seen the highs and lows of football management with teams like Huddersfield Town. His experience as a USMNT player gives him an edge, even if chances seem slim.”10
“Bob Bradley knows the U.S. soccer scene from his days coaching the national team and in the MLS. Yet, having already led the team once, he might not be the first choice again.”10
“Wilfried Nancy has shown promise by winning the MLS Cup with Columbus Crew early in his career. But, his inexperience and the odds make him a less likely candidate for USMNT.”10
Choosing the next USMNT head coach requires careful thought by U.S. Soccer. They must consider each candidate’s coaching style, experience, and leadership abilities. The goal is to pick a coach who can bring out the best in the team for the 2026 World Cup11.
The Importance of Getting the Next Coach Right
After Gregg Berhalter’s time, picking the next USMNT coach is vital. This choice will affect American soccer’s future and the team’s performance. With the US, Mexico, and Canada hosting the 2026 World Cup, the stakes are high.
Recent stats show the USMNT’s struggles in big contests. At the 2024 Copa America, they scored only three times. And they didn’t score at all after the second game’s half-time against Panama. This shows we need a coach who can boost our attack.
“The right coach can make a significant impact on the team’s performance, especially with the joint hosting of the 2022 World Cup by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.” 12
The USMNT also needs help with defense and keeping the ball. A coach who can fix these problems will make the team stronger against top teams. This could lead to more goal-scoring chances.
Under Berhalter, the USMNT won trophies and developed young talent. Our next coach should keep this up, working with a core group of 12-15 high-quality players.
Money matters, too. The USSF has budget limits, but to attract a top coach, they might need to pay more. The best coaches in the world earn a lot. The USSF should think about offering more to get a great coach.
Teams like Brazil and Belgium are also looking for coaches. The USMNT must choose wisely to stay ahead. The right coach will keep us competitive on the world stage.
“The next coach should be capable of continuing the program’s success in player development and rebuilding a strong squad of around 12-15 very good players, as seen during Berhalter’s tenure.” 13
The next coach has a big role. They need to lead well, build up players, tackle weaknesses, and use smart strategies. Getting this right is key to doing well in future contests, especially the 2026 World Cup.
Choosing the next USMNT coach is critical. The people in charge must look at the candidates’ success, tactical skills, and leadership under pressure. Getting this decision right is crucial for our success.
The Need for a Winning Coach
The next coach of the USMNT should be a winning coach. Recent team performances show a need for better results. They need a leader with a success history.
The firing of Gregg Berhalter3 opens a door for a new type of leadership. Berhalter’s time had issues like few goals from set plays3. It’s clear, change is needed.
Jürgen Klopp could be the right choice. His nine years with Liverpool included eight major wins, like the Premier League, FA Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup4. Klopp has the experience to win.
Other coaches like Hervé Renard and Steve Cherundolo4 are also being considered. They bring new ideas and strategies that could help the team win.
Finding a winning coach is crucial. A successful coach improves team performance and builds confidence3. This fosters a positive team environment.
Don’t overlook the cost of a top coach. With American soccer talent on the rise14, investing in a coach is important. The USMNT needs to be competitive salary-wise to attract the best.
Communication is key for any coach. The search for the next USMNT coach3 includes finding someone who communicates well. Strong coach-team relationships mean better management3.
In the end, the USMNT needs a coach who can elevate the players and secure wins. The search should focus on proven success, communication skills, and adaptability in soccer. The right coach is essential for the USMNT to succeed.
A Passion for Player Development
The next USMNT coach needs to love helping players get better. The team is young and improving. So, we need a coach who can teach and grow players’ skills15. This coach will play a big part in how well the team does in the future. A good coach gets what each player needs and faces15. They can spot how to make a player better and give custom advice. They work on everything from skills and game strategy to mindset. This kind of coach helps every player grow in all ways. Moreover, a coach focused on player growth wants to create a lasting program16. They see that the USMNT’s success depends not just on today’s players but also on raising new talent. By setting up strong development programs and encouraging growth, the coach helps the team stay competitive for a long time. One challenge is mixing trust in proven players with adding new talent16. A coach has to use experienced players and try out promising young ones too. This keeps the team fresh, competitive, and full of new ideas16.
Player development is especially key when looking at the USMNT’s recent games16. The team is young and part of a big growth plan but hasn’t always done well. So, we need a coach who can bring out the best in the players. Tab Ramos, a U.S. soccer legend, says we need an international coach who’s great at developing players16. Ramos, who has played in many big matches, knows what it takes. He warns against just sticking to what worked before. Ramos suggests changing the lineup yearly, like pro teams do. This keeps the team fresh and competitive16. Adding different players each year can make the USMNT stronger and more varied. In the end, the new USMNT coach must truly care about making players better15. They should focus on each player’s growth, run strong programs, and use both old and new players wisely1516. By doing this, they can build a successful team for the future1516.
Considering a Wide Pool of Candidates
U.S. Soccer is looking far and wide to find the new head coach for the USMNT. They’re checking out many candidates from here and abroad. They want someone who can lead the team to international wins, focus on growing players, and build a culture of victory.
The push to look at many candidates is partly because of the USWNT’s big impact. In 2019, the USWNT fought against the USSF for equal pay. This lawsuit shone a light on pay differences between the men’s and women’s teams17. Winning the lawsuit showed how important it is to fight for gender equality. It also could inspire future fights against gender pay gaps17.
There’s also a change in Massachusetts that could bring back happy hour, missing for 40 years. This could really help restaurants and cafes get back on their feet18.
Looking at the numbers19, it’s clear the USMNT needs a coach with a great track record. Since Gregg Berhalter took over in September, the team’s had mixed results. With stars like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie, the team needs someone who can bring out their best19.
| Candidate | Credentials |
|---|---|
| Jurgen Klopp | Renowned for his success with Liverpool FC |
| Thierry Henry | Highly respected former player and successful manager |
| Marcelo Bielsa | Known for his tactical brilliance as Leeds United’s head coach |
| Jesse Marsch | Experienced American coach with success at Red Bull Salzburg |
| Hugo Pérez | Former U.S. national team player with coaching experience |
| Pellegrino Matarazzo | Impressive work at VfB Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga |
| David Wagner | Experience coaching in the Premier League with Huddersfield Town |
Jurgen Klopp, Thierry Henry, and Marcelo Bielsa have caught attention for their skills and wins19. Jesse Marsch, Hugo Pérez, Pellegrino Matarazzo, and David Wagner are also in the mix because of their proven experience19.
Choosing the next coach isn’t just about talent; money matters too. Paying for a top-notch European coach could affect what we can offer a new women’s head coach, like Emma Hayes. This might even set a new standard for pay in women’s soccer19.
With the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., we really need a coach who’s up to the challenge19. U.S. Soccer’s broad search has fans hoping for a coach who can impress both on and off the field.
Sources:
- USWNT Lawsuit
- Massachusetts Happy Hour Amendment
- Statistical Data on Potential Candidates and Recent Performance
Financial Considerations
Choosing the next head coach for the USMNT involves thinking about money. The amount U.S. Soccer decides to pay is key to draw in top coaches from all over. They might need to set aside a big amount for this20. This shows they’re serious about finding someone great to lead the team.
Right now, there’s no set limit or range for the new coach’s pay. Yet, it’s crucial for U.S. Soccer to be ready to offer a solid deal. This is because of the quality of coaches they’re looking at and what the job involves. The coach has to take the team through lots of tournaments, like World Cup qualifiers and maybe the FIFA World Cup itself. The pay has to match what’s needed for such a big job.
While U.S. Soccer is mainly in charge of paying the coach, they might get help from sponsors or donors. Teaming up with others can ease the cost of hiring a top-name coach21. Deals with companies or soccer-loving folks could help pay the coach’s salary.
Getting enough money together for a good salary shows U.S. Soccer wants the USMNT to do well. A good salary can bring in coaches with lots of experience and success. It also makes the position more appealing. That way, U.S. Soccer becomes a great place for coaches, aiming to take the USMNT to new heights.
| Financial Considerations | Implications |
|---|---|
| Competitive Salary | – Attract experienced and accomplished coaches – Position the USMNT as an attractive destination – Ensure commitment to the team’s success |
| Collaboration with Sponsors and Donors | – Potential financial support – Alleviate the burden on U.S. Soccer – Reflect partnerships for the growth of the USMNT |
| Undetermined Spending Cap | – Adaptability for negotiations and market fluctuations |
Money matters a lot when it’s time to pick a new coach for the USMNT. It’s about finding the best coach without spending too much. With enough money and a fair salary, U.S. Soccer can aim for continued growth and victory in soccer around the world.Images_Deshaun Watson>
Conclusion
Finding the best head coach is key for the USMNT’s success ahead. Coach stats show their strong impact on team growth. For instance, Jurgen Klinsmann’s higher pay than Bob Bradley22 shows the huge expectations for the job.
Under Gregg Berhalter, the USMNT enjoyed wins like the 2021 Gold Cup and two CONCACAF Nations League trophies23. Yet, some folks are worried about the team not doing as well lately. Their performance at events like the Copa América24 was below expectations. This shows the team must get better24.
The team has really skilled players playing in big leagues in Europe22. It’s important to find a coach who can bring out the best in these players. With the 2026 World Cup coming, it’s a chance to lift US soccer to new heights. The right coach is critical for this mission24.
Choosing the next coach is a big job. U.S. Soccer should look at many possible candidates. They need someone with a solid success record and a knack for growing players. This coach needs to build a team spirit that aims for international success.
In sum, the next USMNT head coach will play a huge role in the team’s future. If chosen wisely, U.S. Soccer will set the team on a path to greatness and help them meet their potential222324.
