Michael Bradley, former captain of the United States men’s national soccer team, has been appointed the new head coach of the New York Red Bulls.
Bradley’s hiring comes just six months after he took the reins of the club’s MLS Next Pro affiliate, New York Red Bulls II, where he successfully led the team to the 2025 MLS Next Pro championship.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Red Bulls stated that Bradley will oversee a roster overhaul, including recruiting a new goalkeeper following the exit of Paraguay international Carlos Coronel, who departed after a five-season stint.
The club confirmed that star designated players Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will remain integral to the team, with the possibility of filling a third designated player position during the upcoming winter transfer window.
Bradley, who enjoyed a distinguished 20-year playing career across MLS and international clubs like AS Roma, Aston Villa, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Chievo Verona, and Heerenveen, ranks as the third-most capped player in USMNT history with 151 appearances, trailing only Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones. He also represented the national team at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
He rejoined MLS in 2017, playing a pivotal role in guiding Toronto FC to an unprecedented treble, capturing the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and Canadian Championship alongside teammates Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco. He concluded his playing career after the 2023 season.
In 2023, Bradley transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant to his father, Bob Bradley, at the Norwegian club Stabæk. Bob Bradley previously managed the USMNT from 2006 to 2011.
As the 21st head coach in the Red Bulls’ 31-year history, Bradley replaces Sandro Schwarz and takes on a role that his father held two decades ago.
“I am truly excited about the opportunity to be the head coach of the club where I began my professional career and in the state I consider home,” said Bradley. “I look forward to collaborating with everyone here to help the club achieve the success our fans deserve.”
The New York Red Bulls struggled last season, missing the MLS playoffs and finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 12 wins, 15 losses, and 7 draws. Sandro Schwarz was let go on October 27 after two seasons, while the team finished seventh in 2024 and reached the MLS final—losing to the LA Galaxy.
The Red Bulls, who started as the New York/New Jersey Metrostars in 1996, have yet to win an MLS championship.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.