It is clear the U.S. males’s nationwide workforce wants a brand new course. For the reason that 2022 World Cup, when the USMNT exited within the spherical of 16 towards a superior Netherlands facet, there was little to no proof of development. In actual fact, it seems to be just like the USMNT has been regressing over the previous two years.
Current subpar outcomes have been largely papered over, and everybody continued to imagine the expertise degree of this U.S. facet alone is sufficient. A second-leg loss to Trinidad & Tobago within the Concacaf Nations League did not matter as a result of the USMNT superior on combination anyway. A horrible efficiency towards Jamaica within the Nations League ended with the Individuals being bailed out by a last-minute Jamaica personal purpose. The 5-1 shellacking by Colombia was “solely” a pre-Copa America pleasant.
However after the USMNT received knocked out within the group stage of the Copa America following losses to Panama and Uruguay — plus a not-big-enough win over lowly BolĂvia — these earlier poor performances seem like ignored warning indicators.
Each time the dialogue of shifting on from head coach Gregg Berhalter has come up, it has inevitably turned to: “Nicely, who’s going to switch him?” The prevailing narrative has been that there are no coaches higher than Berhalter whom the U.S. Soccer Federation can attempt to rent.
With that in thoughts, ESPN reporters/analysts Jeff Carlisle, Luis Miguel Echegaray, Cesar Hernandez, Lizzy Becherano, Tim Vickery, Caitlin Murray and Invoice Connelly provide up 16 candidates U.S. Soccer ought to take into account as attainable replacements for Berhalter. With a World Cup on U.S. soil coming shortly in 2026, U.S. Soccer has little time to spare.
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp has nearly every part U.S. Soccer might want for in a supervisor. He has been profitable in every single place he has gone, he speaks excellent English and he’s as charismatic as they arrive. He appears exactly the sort of man who will get followers — each die-hards and people new to the sport — galvanized in regards to the World Cup.
He is additionally obtainable after leaving Liverpool on the finish of this previous season, the 57-year-old stating he not had the requisite power wanted to combat for trophies on the highest degree of the sport. However a nationwide workforce gig is likely to be a good match for him. There would not be the day by day calls for {that a} membership job would have, and the USMNT is at the moment at a low ebb, leaving loads of upside with what continues to be considered as a gifted roster.
Now, to be clear, hiring Klopp continues to be the stuff of fantasy, even when former U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, in a column for The Day by day Mail, mentioned he’d be keen to “personally fly to Spain” with a view to persuade Klopp to take the job. Klopp’s current Instagram submit wishing Individuals a cheerful Fourth of July — which despatched USMNT followers right into a tizzy — most likely did not imply something.
Even when Klopp had been , his hiring would virtually actually require the U.S. Soccer to again up the Brinks truck and unload a pile of money bigger than the federation has ever paid a supervisor. Is that attainable? One supply with data of U.S. Soccer’s pondering mentioned it’s, and likened it to varsity sports activities within the U.S., the place the principle entity pays a head coach a base wage and sponsors make up the remainder.
However pondering of one thing in principle and truly executing a plan are two various things, and the phrase on the road is that Klopp would nonetheless value far more than U.S. Soccer is keen to spend. Should you’re U.S. Soccer common supervisor Matt Crocker, yeah, go forward and make the decision, to make sure. Simply do not get your hopes up. — Jeff Carlisle
David Wagner
If you cannot get Klopp, why not go for one among his proteges? Wagner and Klopp had been teammates when the 2 had been at Mainz, and Wagner joined Klopp’s workers when the latter joined Borussia Dortmund.
Wagner’s skilled managerial expertise has been stuffed with highs and lows. He took Huddersfield City into the English Premier League and stored them up for a season, however he could not maintain it. There was the brutal spell with Schalke, when the membership set information for futility, however that appeared largely due to the membership’s higher hierarchy. He was largely just lately with Norwich Metropolis however was fired after shedding within the promotion playoffs to Leeds United.
Extra critically, Wagner, 52, has a connection to the USMNT, having made eight appearances for the squad within the Nineteen Nineties as one of many workforce’s authentic twin nationals. He would not be the splashiest rent, however he has loads of expertise, and his most well-liked high-tempo fashion of play would appear to be a match for the USMNT. — Carlisle
Steve Cherundolo
Of the home candidates, Cherundolo boasts one of many stronger rĂ©sumĂ©s. He spent his total enjoying profession in Germany with Hannover 96, turning into the “Mayor of Hannover” after making over 400 appearances for the membership. He was an completely reliable proper again for the U.S. nationwide workforce, enjoying in two World Cups.
He then underwent a prolonged apprenticeship, spending years teaching within the youth ranks earlier than teaching the Las Vegas Lights of the USL Championship earlier than taking up LAFC in 2022. Cherundolo was an instantaneous hit, main LAFC to a Supporters’ Defend and MLS Cup double in 2022. The next season was more durable, with LAFC shedding three finals, however Cherundolo has LAFC again among the many league’s elite this yr.
The one draw back of 45-year-old Cherundolo is he is by no means been a nationwide workforce supervisor, and his rĂ©sumĂ© is not as diversified as others on this record, so he’d be studying on the job to a level. — Carlisle
Wilfried Nancy
If the U.S. needs to stay throughout the parameters of hiring somebody who understands the home sport and the Concacaf area, then Wilfried Nancy is an apparent selection. He gained MLS Cup (the primary Black coach to take action) in his first season as Columbus Crew, and he is ready to create an thrilling kind of soccer that thrives on zero excuses blended with a disciplined, killer-instinct mentality.
However his quick and historic success with the Crew just isn’t why I feel he could be a superb match. It is the identification that he has instilled with the workforce. Nancy’s power is that he makes his gamers change into accustomed to the uncomfortable. Because the 47-year-old mentioned final yr: “That is one thing that we do on a regular basis on the pitch: repetition, with clear conditions, and in addition a construction, an outlined construction. However throughout the construction, loads of creativity inside that.”
If the USMNT actually needs to beat the easiest, the most important precedence is to get comfy with the uncomfortable. If you wish to persist with somebody who is aware of how to try this in addition to is aware of full effectively what it takes to develop North American expertise, then that is Nancy. — Luis Miguel Echegaray
Jim Curtin
If Berhalter was in a position to make the leap from MLS to the USMNT, then why not Jim Curtin?
The Philadelphia Union coach has change into one of many mainstays of the league and has a knack for making his squads effectively balanced and higher than the sum of their elements. It is no surprise that of the previous 4 winners of the league’s Coach of the 12 months Award, Curtin has earned the honors twice.
And by the way in which, in contrast to Berhalter’s time on the MLS sideline, 45-year-old Curtin has a Supporters’ Defend in hand — a way more troublesome trophy to win than MLS Cup. (Beneath Curtain, Philly reached the ultimate of MLS Cup in 2022.) On the match degree, one additionally should not overlook Curtin’s three runs into the U.S. Open Cup finals.
All that mentioned, the timing could be a bit awkward when you think about simply how poor Philadelphia have been within the present MLS season. The Union have not gained since Might and are enjoying far beneath expectations. The blame should not simply be centered on Curtin, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly not a superb look both method. — Cesar Hernandez
Hugo Perez
Perez has one of many extra intriguing backgrounds amongst U.S. coaches. Born within the Salvadoran metropolis of Morazán, he spent his youth in each nations earlier than a snub from El Salvador noticed him forged his worldwide lot with the U.S., the place he went on to make 73 appearances.
His background as a coach isn’t any much less attention-grabbing. Perez, 60, managed the U.S. U15 nationwide workforce from 2012-14, a gaggle that included Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams. He careworn enjoying the ball on the bottom, one thing that Pulisic has credited for his technical growth.
Perez did some scouting as effectively, however a falling out with U.S. Soccer noticed him depart with some harm emotions. He later went on to handle El Salvador and the Cuscatlecos punched above their weight for some time, attending to the ultimate spherical of qualifying in the course of the 2022 cycle earlier than he was fired in 2023.
His lack of membership expertise makes for a gap in his rĂ©sumĂ©, however his worldwide expertise and ties to the U.S. are massive pluses. — Carlisle
Gomez: USMNT have regressed below Gregg Berhalter
Herculez Gomez believes the USMNT have to “develop up” after their elimination from the Copa AmĂ©rica.
Javier Aguirre
Premier League coaches could appeal to all the eye, with many dreaming of Klopp or Pep Guardiola. However the USMNT wants a coach that possesses the steadiness of worldwide expertise and data of the intricacy of Concacaf. Former Mexican nationwide workforce head coach Javier Aguirre won’t ever be the plain selection, however his resume insists he needs to be thought of.
Aguirre simply led the Spanish workforce to the Copa del Rey ultimate, mustering the unimpressive roster to compete towards Spain’s greatest to achieve the final sport of the match. He saved the workforce from relegation on three events, proving the important thing to success in soccer would not at all times need to dwell and die with particular person expertise. Perhaps he can discover a method for the USMNT assault and backline to lastly work in excellent unison.
The 65-year-old beforehand coached Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and Osasuna, the place he was named coach of the yr in 2006 by UEFA for his efforts. Aguirre’s time in LaLiga obligated him to ready to face the likes Actual Madrid and FC Barcelona at their peak.
As a participant and coach for the Mexican nationwide workforce, Aguirre understands Concacaf. Nevertheless it was his expertise in taking up the Mexican mission twice simply months forward of the World Cup — and reaching the knockout stage on each events in 2002 and 2010 — which will serve U.S. Soccer greatest.
With two years left till america hosts the 2026 version, Aguirre could also be one of many few who is aware of how one can take over and succeed. And with Mexican Soccer Federation at the moment eyeing Aguirre, the U.S. Soccer could get to benefit from the luxurious of stealing a candidate from a direct rival. — Lizzy Becherano
Matias Almeyda
Whether or not or not it’s as a consequence of his observe file of success in Mexico, Greece and South America, or his potential to unify groups and thrive in match eventualities, there’s loads to love about Matias Almeyda. The 50-year-old is at the moment teaching AEK Athens with a contract renewed via 2028, however the draw of main the U.S. forward of a house World Cup needs to be sufficient to lure him away.
His profile in North America grew via just a few trophies with powerhouse Chivas from 2015 to 2018, netting him teaching awards in Liga MX and Concacaf. It wasn’t too way back when numerous followers pushed for him to steer Mexico’s nationwide workforce, which by no means got here to cross.
He is a motivator, he has titles below his belt, and he already has expertise in American soccer, too — which, to be honest, did not go as deliberate as his San Jose Earthquakes facet twice missed playoffs. That is the issue for the extremely disciplined chief: He has been recognized to include samurai philosophies, like in his time at MLS.
However there is a vital distinction between the roster depth Almeyda had with the Earthquakes versus what we was up towards. Nonetheless, many within the American soccer world (and maybe these in cost at U.S. Soccer as effectively) will not neglect the quite a few chaotic matches he discovered himself in with San Jose. — Hernandez
Marcelo Gallardo
Gallardo gained nearly each South American trophy there may be to win as supervisor of River Plate, 14 titles in all, and twice claiming the Copa Libertadores, in addition to the Argentine Primera Division in 2021.
The 48-year-old is one thing of a tactical chameleon, however with one overarching precept, “protagonismo,” which implies to take cost of the sport.
He is obtainable after an 18-month stint with Saudi Arabian facet Al Ittihad. It appeared a curious touchdown spot given he was considered Europe-bound. He did the identical factor as a participant, touchdown with D.C. United for a quick spell late in his profession earlier than accidents minimize his time brief.
Perhaps one other sudden selection might see him land with the USMNT. Like Klopp, it might value U.S. soccer a ton of money. — Carlisle
Tab Ramos
U.S. Soccer is commonly criticized for being too insular and unwilling to herald exterior hires, as an alternative biking via the identical group of individuals already throughout the federation’s orbit. So hiring Tab Ramos, a journeyman inside U.S. Soccer, would not change any minds about that, however it might observe the playbook that the federation is most comfy with.
Ramos himself has mentioned U.S. Soccer ought to rent a international supervisor. Final week he advised Soccer America: “We simply want anyone to return in for 18 months who is aware of the World Cup and might put together this workforce the perfect he can to provide this workforce the perfect shot at having a fantastic World Cup. That is it. No learning-on-the-job particular person.”
Except for not being a international coach, his argument might apply to himself, too. He led the USMNT U20s to a few straight World Cup quarterfinals, the perfect and most constant run in this system’s historical past. He has expertise teaching among the gamers on the senior workforce proper now.
If there is a motive to not take into account him, it is that, since leaving U.S. Soccer shortly after Berhalter was employed on the finish of 2018, his stints as head coach on the Houston Dynamo and the Hartford Athletic haven’t been roaring successes. He is now an assistant coach on the New England Revolution. However simply as some nice membership coaches cannot translate their greatest work to the worldwide sport, the alternative could be true. Perhaps the worldwide sport is the place Ramos belongs. — Caitlin Murray
José Pékerman
Few managers are as skilled at worldwide degree because the Argentine. He managed Argentina on the 2006 World Cup, and his substitution of Juan Roman Riquelme within the quarterfinal defeat towards Germany stays a sore spot with the nation’s followers, however that workforce was extensively praised for its fashion.
PĂ©kerman went on to take the helm of Colombia for the 2014 and 2018 tournaments, the place on each events he led the Cafeteros to the knockout levels. PĂ©kerman is unemployed after falling out with the Venezuela Soccer Federation in 2023.
PĂ©kerman additionally led Argentina to the FIFA U-20 World Cup on three completely different events, displaying a capability to work with younger gamers. On condition that this younger technology of U.S. gamers has appeared to have plateaued for the time being, a sensible head like 74-year-old PĂ©kerman is likely to be what is required to get the group again on an upward trajectory. — Carlisle
Patrick Vieira
One other candidate who ticks just a few containers is Patrick Vieira. He is been a membership coach for over eight years, that means he is no neophyte on the subject of managing within the skilled sport.
Two-and-a-half of these eight years had been spent in MLS with New York Metropolis FC. That familiarity with the U.S. system and its idiosyncrasies is a plus. He is additionally hung out teaching in Manchester Metropolis’s academy, in addition to their reserve workforce, giving him a window into participant growth.
That mentioned, Vieira’s file at membership degree has seen endure his share of struggles, and final season led Strasbourg to a thirteenth place end in Ligue 1.
Would that be sufficient for U.S. Soccer? The federation did method Vieira a bit over a yr in the past in the course of the course of through which Berhalter was rehired. He was within the job, however Vieira advised ESPN again then that talks did not progress. Maybe he’ll get one other look this time. — Carlisle
Gomez: USMNT’s ‘golden technology’ underachieved below Berhalter
Herculez Gomez explains the dearth of success from america below Gregg Berhalter and why he would possibly keep in cost regardless of one other setback.
Hervé Renard
HervĂ© Renard would possibly seem to be a left-field selection as a result of his newest gig was with the French girls’s nationwide workforce, the place he steered them to a World Cup quarterfinal final yr. However previous to that, he is been a males’s soccer coach, maybe most memorably main the Saudi Arabia facet that beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina within the 2022 World Cup. (Argentina went on to win the entire match.)
He is coached everywhere in the world, with a mixture of membership and worldwide expertise, together with main Zambia and Ivory Coast to wins on the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2015, respectively. Maybe extra necessary than his rĂ©sumĂ©, he is been lauded for his participant administration — one thing it looks as if the USMNT wants with its current string of gamers getting foolish pink playing cards out of anger. It additionally looks like U.S. Soccer needs to skew youthful for the USMNT supervisor, and at 55, Renard is on the stage of his profession the place he has loads of expertise however should not be out of contact together with his gamers, both.
It has felt that, ever since Jurgen Klinsmann’s mercurial time on the helm, U.S. Soccer has most well-liked an American coach, however the federation must prioritize a coach with a confirmed observe file in worldwide soccer who understands the rhythm of huge tournaments. — Murray
Mauricio Pochettino
It’s exhausting to consider a better option to step in as U.S. nationwide workforce coach than Mauricio Pochettino. He ticks all of the containers, with the added benefit of being obtainable after parting methods with Chelsea in Might and, after just a few years of accumulating frustrations as a membership coach, he might effectively be open to the prospect of taking cost of a nationwide workforce.
In his time within the Premier League, Pochettino has acquired the prerequisite data of working within the Anglo-Saxon world. Mixed together with his Argentine roots and his expertise working with high class gamers from everywhere in the world, Pochettino needs to be a really attention-grabbing candidate for a workforce just like the U.S.
Private relations have typically been his robust level. The Copa America serves as a foretaste and as a warning of the pressures of enjoying at house in a World Cup — a giant pleasant bear-like determine, Pochettino would ease the stress on a younger workforce. He has a superb observe file with younger gamers — and it is a youthful USA workforce — and his front-footed tactical method is a pleasant match with the kind of soccer the facet are able to enjoying.
Plus — at all times an asset at worldwide degree — he has expertise of match life as a participant. The USA might do a lot worse than appoint 52-year-old Pochettino — and it’s exhausting to see how they may do significantly better. — Tim Vickery
Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel has by no means given any indication that he could be taken with a nationwide workforce gig, a lot much less a gig within the States. However such a job would match him like a glove.
Taking on the USMNT would emphasize perhaps his single biggest power: developing with a powerful tactical plan for a particular match or matchup. And it might mitigate what certain appears to have change into his most irritating trait from a membership perspective: complaining incessantly about what his workforce lacks and nagging his bosses to repair it.
You may have what you have got on the nationwide workforce degree, and Tuchel could be compelled to construct ways to swimsuit the workforce’s strengths and weaknesses. What’s to not like about that (apart from the cash it might most likely take to get his consideration)?
It is apparent why U.S. Soccer would need him — main groups to successful the UEFA Champions League, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 is simply the beginning. However as unlikely as this appears, it isn’t unattainable to assume Tuchel, 50, might get on board with it, too. He’s obtainable after leaving Bayern Munich. — Invoice Connelly
Thomas Frank
Let’s be clear about one thing: The Premier League’s elite, like Klopp or Guardiola, just isn’t occurring. Overlook about it. However what if I advised you that despite the fact that the perfect managers within the sport are out of attain, you possibly can nonetheless get somebody who on the very least manages on the highest ranges of the sport and fits every part the USMNT needs to do on the pitch?
Presenting: Thomas Frank. Sure, I do know. He has a contract with Brentford till 2027 so it isn’t essentially the most real looking scenario. However is it unattainable? The federation needs to be bold and gamble as a result of they actually cannot afford to get it fallacious in 2026. Talking of which, seeing as they do not need to qualify for the World Cup, perhaps there’s a while to steer Brentford — a membership who’s at all times three steps forward — to contemplate one thing.
By way of ways, it is a no-brainer. Frank, 50, simply adapts between 4-3-3 and 3-5-2, loves to make use of his wing backs each out large and in central positions (Antonee Robinson would thrive right here), and prioritizes a powerful triangle within the center with energetic box-to-box midfielders. The likes of Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams would profit tremendously. — Echegaray