November 27 – In the National Football League in the US, the last game of the regular season is known as ‘Black Monday’ as assorted coaches receive their pink slips. Major League Soccer does not have a true equivalent, however, Monday after the conference finals has proven to run ‘Black Monday’ close.
During the course of the 2024 season 11 clubs made coaching changes with the most recent being the firing of NYCFC boss, Nick Cushing after his failure to beat crosstown rivals, the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semi-final. There has been no decision yet on who his replacement will be, however, as part of the Etihad portfolio, expect someone from within the family to roll up to the Big Apple.
Joining Cushing on ‘Black Monday’ was Vancouver Whitecaps FC coach, Vanni Sartini. The Italian manager went 57W-51L-39D across all competitions. He originally joined Vancouver as a first-team assistant coach before the start of the 2019 season.
“We are incredibly grateful to Vanni,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director and CEO. “Since arriving in Vancouver six years ago, Vanni gave his all to this club and city. He embraced everything with passion and enjoyed tremendous success along the way. I am extremely thankful for our friendship and wish him all the best. Just like NYCFC, no replacement has been lined up yet.
Last week, Gerardo ‘Tata” Martino announced he was leaving Inter Miami for personal reasons, and as reported on Inside World Football, his replacement is fellow Argentine and good friend of Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano.
In Philadelphia, the highly respected Union coach, Jim Curtin, lost his job at the end of the regular season as the team failed to qualify for the post-season for the first time since 2017. It was just two years ago that Curtin took Philly to the final of MLS Cup where they lost a penalty shootout to LAFC after a thrilling 3-3 tie. The Union are yet to announce a replacement.
The Chicago Fire FC finally ran out of patience with Frank Klopas on the sidelines, and announced that former USMNT Head Coach, Greg Berhalter would take care of the club on and off the pitch by becoming the coach and director of football.
In Texas at Austin FC, Josh Wolff was fired on October 6 after failing to guide the club to the play-offs. For Wolff, this was a major disappointment after guiding the team to 2nd place in the Western Conference the previous season. Replacing Wolff is Spaniard, Nico Estévez, who previously led FC Dallas.
St. Louis City SC, one of the newest franchises in the league, didn’t wait until the end of the season releasing 2nd year coach, Bradley Carnell on July 1 and replacing him with former Denmark, and Aston Villa stalwart, Olof Melberg. The Dane has yet to take the reigns but will be in place for the start of 2025.
Bruce Arena, the most successful coach in MLS history who has seemingly coached every club in the league will be on the sideline for the San Jose Earthquakes. Like Berhalter, Arena 73, will take on the role of head coach and sporting director. The five times winner of the MLS Cup replaces Luchi Gonzalez while becoming the oldest coach in the history of the league.
Eric Quill steps in for Nico Estévez at FC Dallas, while at Nashville SC, Englishman, Gary Smith has been moved out in place of former USMNT interim boss, the highly popular B.J. Callaghan.
The last vacancy was created in Atlanta, when United fired Gonzalo Pineda, however, no candidate has yet be found for one of the most highly wanted positions in MLS.
The off-season promises to be full of intrigue as the coaching carousel moves into high gear.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1732690787labto1732690787ofdlr1732690787owedi1732690787sni@o1732690787fni1732690787