After a Copa América run that saw the USMNT exit in the group stage, the United States Soccer Federation came to a decision that Gregg Berhalter would be fired as manager of the United States Men’s National Team. Berhalter’s tenure saw him return for a second stint as manager after an investigation following the 2022 World Cup.
Through his five years as manager, Berhalter held a record of 44-17-13 in 74 matches played, along with winning the Gold Cup and the Nations League twice. However, the failures of his tenure outweighed the positives, and the USSF concluded that it was time to move in a new direction.
Now that the federation has decided to fire Berhalter, it is now time to start the search for a new manager. Sporting Director Matt Crocker stated that the process has already begun: “Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already begun our search process.”
The search for the new manager should be a thorough one, as the federation should be looking for a manager who can lead in the present and the future. Someone who will be able to lead through now and through the 2026 World Cup.
There are a lot of names that have been linked to the job, and I will be providing 3 names in this piece. Two will be names who are realistic options, and the final name will be someone who is a dream hire. Before continuing, I would like to say that Jurgen Klopp will not be a name listed, as he has reportedly already declined the USMNT job.
Realistic USMNT Coaching Options
- Steve Cherundolo – Manager of LAFC
If the United States Soccer Federation wants to bring an MLS coach into the managerial role once again, Steve Cherundolo makes the most sense. Cherundolo has led his LAFC side to be one of the most dominant in Major League Soccer, as he has 66 wins, 19 draws, and 32 losses in 117 matches as their manager. Cherundolo also brought both the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield to Los Angeles in 2022.
In 2024, LAFC is once again one of the top teams in the MLS, as they are currently tied for first place in the Western Conference with Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy. In addition to his success in the MLS, the LAFC manager is not new to the USMNT, having 87 appearances with the nation throughout his time as a player.
But while Cherundolo has been a top manager with LAFC, the American does have some question marks surrounding him. To start off, Cherundolo does not have a lot of experience as a manager. Before coming to LAFC, he was only a manager at the Las Vegas Lights of the USL, and he did not have a good time there.
In 32 matches in charge of Las Vegas, Cherundolo had 6 wins, 3 draws, and 23 losses, showing his inexperience as manager. When he joined LAFC, they were already built up, adding another question of if he knew how to grow and develop a team. All in all, no matter what questions you have about him, Cherundolo is one of the clear favorites to land the USMNT job.
- Hervé Renard – Manager of France women’s national team
The second realistic option for the new USMNT manager would be Hervé Renard, who is currently the manager of the French women’s national team. But, Renard did say that he will be leaving that spot after the 2024 Summer Olympics in France.
He is a manager who has tons of experience on the international level, coaching the French women’s team, and coaching the men’s teams of Zambia, Angola, Ivory Coast, Morocco, and lastly Saudi Arabia. He led Saudi Arabia to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and it was in that tournament that he made his name known by a single match. His Saudi Arabia side had one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, as they defeated Argentina by a score of 2-1.
Renard is known for his fiery attitude, which could be something that the USMNT supporters think this side needs. Unfortunately for the USSF, they will need to act quickly for his services, as teams such as Egypt and Nigeria have already made offers to him for their managerial role.
A Dream USMNT Coaching Option
- Joachim Löw – Free Agent
If there was a dream hire for the USMNT, Joachim Löw would be the name that I would aim for. Löw is a manager who has been out of a job since 2021, but he is still one of the most recognized international managers in recent history. The German was the manager of his native country from 2006 to 2021, and he had a very successful time there. In 198 matches as manager of the German national team, Löw held a record of 124 wins, 40 draws, and 34 losses.
He brought the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup back to Germany, showing that he has the pedigree and the ability to lead a national team to success. The USMNT has been craving for a manager who will be able to get them to the next level, as their current group of players is the best that we have seen in a while. Joachim Löw will get the best out of this group, just like he was able to do with his German squad.
But after the victory at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, things started to go south for Löw and the Germans. In the 2018 World Cup, Germany was eliminated in the group stages for the first time ever, and in Euro 2020, Germany was eliminated by England in the Round of 16. But even with the small falloff for the Germans, Löw is still a manager that will be great for this USA side. As stated earlier, he will be a manager who will get the best out of his players, which is why he would be my dream hire for the USMNT. Unfortunately, the chances of Löw becoming the USMNT are pretty slim, but a man is able to dream.
All in all, the United States Soccer Federation has to get this hire right, as the next couple of years are crucial for the growth of the team and the sport in this country. Whether it is one of the names listed above or someone else, I am excited to see how the USSF carries on this process, and who will eventually end up with the manager role.
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