Emma Hayes Hired as USWNT HC; Gets Record Contract to Replace Vlatko Andonovksi

The United States women's national team announced the appointment of Emma Hayes as its new head coach on Tuesday, replacing Vlatko Andonovksi.

"This is a huge honor to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history," the departing Chelsea manager said in a statement. "The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I've dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true."

"I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels," she added. "To get there, it will require dedication, devotion and collaboration from the players, staff and everyone at the U.S. Soccer Federation."

Hayes will finish the 2023-24 season with Chelsea and then take over as the USWNT manager two months ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore will manage the USWNT until that time.

Hayes will be the highest-paid women's manager in the world.

Per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, "One source with knowledge of the deal confirmed to ESPN that her salary will be 'close if not equal' to that of U.S. men's national team manager Gregg Berhalter, who makes $1.6 million. Bonuses will have an impact on what both managers will ultimately earn."

The USWNT is still smarting from an incredibly disappointing showing at the 2023 World Cup, failing to advance past the Round of 16. It was the worst-ever result at the World Cup for the four-time champions.

The team has found itself somewhat between generations, and Hayes will be tasked with transitioning from older, established players on the International level to bright, young talents like Mia Fishel, Jaedyn Shaw, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Alyssa Thompson, among others.

The 47-year-old Hayes brings an impressive resumé to the post, having led Chelsea to six Women's Super League titles, five Women's FA Cups and the 2021 Champions League Final, losing to Barcelona, among her other accomplishments. She was named the The Best FIFA Women's Coach of the Year in 2021 and is a finalist again for 2023.

Her appointment was lauded on social media:

"Emma is a fantastic leader and world class coach who sets high standards for herself and for everyone around her," U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. "She has tremendous energy and an insatiable will to win."

Her experience in the USA, her understanding of our soccer landscape and her appreciation of what it means to coach this team makes her a natural fit for this role and we could not be more pleased to have her leading our women's national team forward," she added.