5 USMNT coaching candidates to replace Gregg Berhalter
- The USMNT crashed out of the group stage at Copa America 2024
- USA managed just one win in Group C against Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia
- Gregg Berhalter could lose his job after the disappointing showing on home soil
Pressure has been mounting on the United States Soccer Federation to part ways with Gregg Berhalter after a dismal showing from the USMNT at Copa America 2024.
Many were expecting the USMNT to reach the last eight or the last four of Copa America on their home soil, but now many are calling for Berhalter to lose his job in his second stint in charge.
The USSF have yet to make a decision on Berhalter's future, but a change in coaching could only help a national team that has dreams of performing well on their home soil in two years at the next World Cup.
Here are five coaching candidates that could replace Gregg Berhalter.
1. Jurgen Klopp
This would be the most ambitious move that the US could make in an effort to prepare for the next World Cup.
Klopp is currently on the market after leaving Liverpool following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, and it seems highly unlikely that he would jump right back into management. However, Klopp could see it as a golden opportunity to remain in coaching while only overseeing a dozen or so matches each year.
2. Wilfried Nancy
Wilfried Nancy is another name that's been brought up numerous times by USMNT fans. The current Columbus Crew head coach has revived one of Major League Soccer's original clubs with an entertaining playing style that saw them lift MLS Cup in his first season.
Nancy could be eager to continue to prove himself by moving up a level with the USMNT, and it's no secret that the US has picked from MLS coaches in the past.
3. Bruce Arena
Bringing back Bruce Arena would be a controversial option given his resignation from New England Revolution, but if there's one coach who knows how to stabilize a team, it's Arena.
Yes, his last tenure with the Stars and Stripes was completely embarassing as it was his team that failed to get past Trinidad and Tobago in November 2017 to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. However, he would probably still be a better option than the current coach in charge.
4. Steve Cherundolo
Another name that has been brought in the MLS/USMNT mix is LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo.
It would certainly be a big step up for Cherundolo -- who is a former USA international -- but his style of play would suit the US going into tournaments. His LAFC side might not play the most entertaining style of soccer, but they definitely know how to rack up points with their effective counter-attacking system.
5. Pat Noonan
Pat Noonan has completely turned around MLS expansion team FC Cincinnati in his two-and-a-half years at the club.
Like Cherundolo, Noonan is also a former USMNT player that has brought stability to a club that had finished at the bottom of MLS prior to hiring the 43-year-old. Like Cherundolo, Noonan also deploys a more pragmatic style of play by soaking up pressure and hitting teams on the counter, and it could bring success at the international level if the US takes a gamble.