U.S. Soccer: Who Will Succeed Bob Bradley As U.S. National Team Coach?

The most watched sporting tournament in the world came to an end this month, as the soccer World Cup concluded with a dramatic, first-ever victory for Spain. While soccer may have subsequently dropped off the radar of most American sports fans, many die-hard members of Sam’s Army remain concerned with the future of American soccer. Soccer fans from around the world were impressed by the grit, determination, and never-say-die attitude that saw the U.S. overcome a 2-0 deficit versus Slovenia and win its group in the most dramatic of fashions. Yet, many supporters of the Stars and Stripes were disappointed by a squad that needed an 11-th hour goal to advance from a relatively weak group and that subsequently lost to a young and inconsistent Ghanaian team.  

Their consternation is shared by U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati, who stated that “the team is capable of more” and that he would meet with current U.S. coach Bob Bradley to discuss the coach’s future. While Gulati also said that he expects Bradley to be in charge when the U.S. faces Brazil in the team’s next friendly, Bob Bradley’s future as U.S. National Team Coach is in jeopardy.

Gulati faces a hard choice in the upcoming months, as his decision could decide the direction of U.S. Soccer for the next four to eight years. The following are a few of the candidates that Gulati may be mulling over, one of which could end up leading the U.S. into the 2014 World Cup.

Bob Bradley: Gulati’s displeasure with the U.S. National Team’s performance may not translate into the replacement of the current coach. When asked about his opinion of Bradley’s performance, Gulati said “he’s done a very good job.  I want to make that very clear... It ultimately comes down to players.”

While Gulati’s statements may indicate that Bradley could be given another four-year term to prove himself, there is no guarantee that the head coach position with the U.S. squad is in Bradley’s future plans.  Bradley said shortly after the U.S. loss to Ghana that he would consider all options, and that a managerial position in Europe was not out of the question. Recent rumors from England have put Bradley as the next coach of Fulham, a team known for attracting American players.

It is difficult to say whether Bradley’s departure would be a blessing or a curse for the Yanks. While Bradley’s tenure has seen the U.S. develop into a strong team, winning the U.S. Open Cup and coming in a close second in the Confederations Cup, history has shown that U.S. coaches do poorly in their second four-year stint. Bruce Arena was hailed as a genius after the magnificent performance of the U.S side in the 2002 World Cup, yet his team went winless four years later. Perhaps it may be best for both American soccer and for Bob Bradley if he found a head coaching position across the pond.

Juergen Klinsmann:  A former German National Team player and head coach of the German side in the 2006 World Cup, Klinsmann is once again a favorite to take over the head coach position in the U.S. He was about to become the U.S. head man after Bruce Arena’s departure, but changed his mind after the MLS did not guarantee access to its players for the U.S Open Cup and the Copa America.

Klinsmann could be the perfect choice for the U.S National Team. He has the perfect mix of American passion that would ignite the team and its fan base and the German discipline that allowed Klinsmann to run the German National team like a well-oiled machine. Of all potential foreign coaches, Klinsmann is the most familiar with U.S. Soccer, having lived in California for most of the past twelve years and having seen U.S. Soccer develop in front of his eyes. At the same time, Klinsmann’s orderliness and organizational knack could help the U.S. Team develop the one characteristic that has been sorely lacking – consistency. In short, Klinsmann is a fantastic choice for the U.S. job, but in the end, Klinsmann may opt for a more glamorous and better-paying job. Klinsmann is keeping quiet, and his preferences remain to be seen.

Alexi Lalas: You heard it here first – Lalas could be the next coach of the U.S. National Soccer Team. The iconic fullback of the 1990’s has held the General Manager title at three different MLS clubs and has been an analyst at ESPN since 2008. His unique experience as a former player, former general manager, and current sports analyst have given him an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of U.S. Soccer that few others have. While he hasn’t coached professionally, Lalas has demonstrated insightfulness and a strategic mind-set in his profound musings during this past World Cup. Although Lalas might be a long shot, it would behoove Gulati to give Lalas due consideration for the coaching position.

Guus Hiddink:  This one is certainly a stretch. Hiddink is about to be happily employed by the Turkish National Team, and he has had no connection to U.S. Soccer since 1977, when he played for the NASL’s San Jose Earthquakes. At the same time, Hiddink is known for coaching the highest bidder, and a stint with the U.S. would certainly benefit both parties.

Hiddink has been a transformative force for every team that he has coached. He put South Korea and Australia on the map of the footballing world, and he succeeded in leading a mediocre Russian squad to the semifinals of the 2008 UEFA Cup. Hiddink’s strengths lie in his ability to develop players and turn groups of average players into solid teams. As such, Hiddink could help the U.S. National Soccer Team reach new heights and achieve unparalleled success in the 2014 World Cup.

To get Hiddink, the U.S. would have to offer him a contract that is unprecedented in American soccer. Hiddink’s success has made him a coveted coach, and while he is prone to changing teams for the right price, that price may well be above the rate that Gulati is willing or authorized to pay. Nevertheless, one can dream.

Gulati and the U.S. Soccer Federation have a critical decision to make – one that could change the course of U.S. footballing history. Only time will tell whether Gulati will make the right direction, whatever that might be.