PHILADELPHIA — The struggling Philadelphia Union announced the dismissal of head coach Bradley Carnell on Wednesday, a part of a significant restructuring within the team’s front office that also includes the appointment of Jon Scheer as sporting director.
Ryan Richter, who has been leading the Philadelphia Union II developmental team, has been named as Carnell’s interim successor.
This decision comes less than a year after Carnell guided the Union to the best record in MLS during his inaugural season as head coach. Under his leadership, Philadelphia secured the top playoff seed but faced elimination in the quarterfinals.
However, Carnell’s tenure did not extend into the second half of his second season, as the team opted for a change after compiling a dismal 1-10-4 record, the worst in the 30-team league, as the squad prepares for an extended break due to the World Cup.
Union principal owner Jay Sugarman acknowledged Carnell’s professionalism and expressed trust in Richter while the club searches for a permanent head coach. Richter previously served as the assistant head coach for the first team from 2022 to 2024 before taking the helm at Union II in January 2025.
Scheer has been a part of the Union organization since 2018 and has held multiple positions, including director of academy and professional development, and most recently served as interim sporting director.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.