October 16 – Three weeks ago, former USMNT head coach left Norwegian side Stabaek – by mutual consent and with immediate effect. The club is currently mired in the second tier of Norwegian football and were in free-fall as well as being in danger of missing out on the promotion play-offs.
This was Bradley’s second-go-around with Stabaek having managed the club from 2014-15. A period that saw the club compete in the Europa League.
Having previously managed clubs in France, England, the US, and Canada, Bradley is the most well-travelled coach in the history of American soccer, however his return to Norway was unsuccessful as first he couldn’t help the club avoid relegation, followed by this season’s bad run of form.
The three-time MLS coach of the year has not tasted any success since claiming the Supporter’s Shield with LAFC in 2019, however, with the MLS season ending next week, the coaching carousel will be in full swing.
Clubs potentially looking for a change in management include, Atlanta United, FC Dallas, St. Louis City, and the San Jose Earthquakes. Bradley initially began his MLS coaching career with the Chicago Fire winning the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup double in his first season in charge.
The question many General Managers will be asking is whether Bradley still has the fire and desire to conquer US soccer. At 66-years-of-age, Bradley has roots in traditional coaching through his extensive experience, however, his methods and tactical flexibility align more closely with modern approaches.
With a dearth of younger coaching talent and many clubs stuck to the mindset that “if you’ve been here once, we can use you again, despite previous results” it will be no surprise to see Bradley stalking the sideline of MLS next season.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1735010315labto1735010315ofdlr1735010315owedi1735010315sni@o1735010315fni1735010315