What Past USA Soccer Hires Tell Us about the Timetable for Replacing Fired USMNT Coach Gregg Berhalter
The recent firing of Gregg Berhalter as head coach of the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) has sent shockwaves through the American soccer landscape. While the immediate focus is on finding a suitable replacement, the question of timing is equally crucial. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the US Soccer Federation (USSF) needs to act swiftly and strategically. So, what can we glean from past USA soccer hires about the timeframe for appointing a new USMNT coach?
The first step in understanding the potential timeline is to examine the circumstances surrounding Berhalter’s initial appointment. He was hired in December 2018, following a lengthy and complex search process. The USSF took its time to evaluate candidates, ultimately opting for Berhalter, who had a solid track record with the Columbus Crew. This initial search, however, was not without its hiccups, as the USSF ultimately moved away from their first choice, former US national team star, Clint Dempsey, due to his lack of coaching experience at the highest level.
Berhalter’s first stint as USMNT coach lasted until the end of 2022, and the USSF opted for an interim head coach, first led by Anthony Hudson and then later by BJ Callaghan, while they searched for a permanent replacement. However, in June 2023, the newly appointed USSF Sporting Director, Matt Crocker, rehired Berhalter, placing him back in charge as head coach. This decision, however, was met with mixed reactions. Critics argued that it was a sign of a lack of ambition from the USSF, particularly considering the availability of other highly-regarded candidates, such as Jürgen Klopp, Thierry Henry, and Marcelo Bielsa.
The recent termination of Berhalter’s contract further complicates the situation. The USSF will now be forced to conduct another search for a new coach, with the added pressure of finding someone capable of leading the team to success at the 2026 World Cup. This time around, however, the USSF has the advantage of a more streamlined process, thanks to the experience gained from the previous search. This suggests that the USSF might be able to move more quickly this time around. Additionally, with the 2026 World Cup being hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, there’s a greater sense of urgency to appoint a coach who can inspire the team and the nation.
However, the potential complexity of finding a suitable replacement should not be underestimated. The USSF will need to consider various factors, including coaching experience, tactical approach, and compatibility with the team’s current players. Not to mention, the potential for salary restrictions could also play a significant role in the selection process. Berhalter’s salary in 2022 was reportedly just over $2.29 million, which included bonuses for qualifying for the World Cup and reaching the second round. It’s highly likely that the USSF will be looking to appoint a coach who commands a higher salary, which could potentially limit the pool of available candidates. The USSF may have to consider lowering its salary expectations, or perhaps look for a coach with a proven track record but on a lower tier than the initial list of names like Jürgen Klopp, Thierry Henry, and Marcelo Bielsa. The possibility of a lower salary could also impact newly hired women’s coach Emma Hayes.
Looking Back at Recent USA Soccer Hires: A Guide to the Timetable
To gain further insights into the potential timeframe for appointing a new USMNT coach, it’s helpful to examine recent USA soccer hires. The previous coaching hires of Bob Bradley in 2006, Jurgen Klinsmann in 2011, and Bruce Arena in 2017, provide valuable insights. These hires demonstrate a range of timelines, from a relatively quick process to more drawn-out searches.
In 2006, the USSF moved swiftly to appoint Bob Bradley as head coach. Bradley had just led the US men’s U-23 national team to the 2004 Olympics, showcasing his potential and familiarity with American soccer. This fast appointment was likely influenced by the upcoming 2006 World Cup, which was just months away. In contrast, the USSF took a more deliberate approach in 2011, ultimately appointing Jurgen Klinsmann after a lengthy search process that spanned several months. This extended search reflected the USSF’s desire to find a coach with international experience and a proven track record of success. The USSF’s search for a new coach was further complicated by the fact that Klinsmann had only recently retired from his playing career, meaning he lacked the extensive coaching experience of some of the other candidates.
Bruce Arena’s appointment in 2017 was also a relatively quick process. This was likely due to the fact that Arena had previously served as the USMNT head coach from 1998 to 2006. His familiarity with the team and the USSF’s organizational structure allowed for a smoother transition. However, the USSF ultimately decided to part ways with Arena after a disappointing World Cup campaign in 2018.
- The recent firing of Gregg Berhalter as head coach of the US Men’s National Team has sparked discussions about the timeline for appointing a new coach.
- Examining past USA soccer hires, particularly Berhalter’s initial appointment in December 2018, provides insights into the potential timeframe for finding a replacement.
- The USSF’s previous search process for a coach was lengthy and complex, ultimately leading to the selection of Berhalter due to his track record with the Columbus Crew.
- The decision to rehire Berhalter in June 2023 after his initial stint as USMNT coach ended in 2022 was met with mixed reactions, with critics questioning the ambition of the USSF.
- With the termination of Berhalter’s contract, the USSF faces another search for a new coach, this time with added pressure to find someone capable of leading the team to success at the 2026 World Cup.
- Despite challenges, the USSF now has a more streamlined process for hiring a new coach, which could potentially expedite the selection process this time around.
Lessons from Past USA Soccer Hirings
Looking back at these hires, we can identify several key takeaways that are relevant to the current situation. First, the USSF tends to move quickly when faced with a short timeline, as was evident in the appointment of Bob Bradley in 2006. This suggests that the USSF could be inclined to act swiftly in appointing a new coach, particularly with the 2026 World Cup looming. Second, the USSF is willing to take its time when seeking a coach with a specific skill set or experience, as was the case with Jurgen Klinsmann’s appointment in 2011. This suggests that the USSF may be willing to conduct a thorough search for a candidate who meets their specific criteria, even if it means delaying the process.
It’s also worth noting that the USSF has a history of re-appointing coaches, as evidenced by the recent rehiring of Gregg Berhalter. This suggests that the USSF may be willing to consider re-appointing a former coach, particularly if they believe the coach is the best fit for the team at the time. However, the USSF should be careful not to repeat its previous mistakes. A re-appointment of a familiar face could send the wrong message to players, fans, and potential candidates. This could also indicate a lack of ambition and a stagnation in the development of the team.
The USSF is now faced with a difficult decision. They have to navigate the complexities of finding a new USMNT coach while balancing the need for a quick appointment with the importance of making the right choice. The USSF should focus on appointing a coach with a proven track record of success, a clear vision for the team, and the ability to inspire players and fans. The USSF needs to be mindful of the pressure of the 2026 World Cup, but also careful not to rush into a decision that could have long-term repercussions for the national team.
The USMNT’s next match is in September. By that time, the USSF will have to have a plan in place for a new head coach, whether it’s a temporary appointment or a long-term solution. Based on past USA soccer hires, the timeframe for appointing a new USMNT coach could range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the factors mentioned above. The USSF will need to balance the urgency of the situation with the necessity of making the right choice. The future of American soccer is at stake, and the USSF needs to get this right.
