New York Red Bulls hire ex-USMNT captain Michael Bradley as head coach

Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The New York Red Bulls hired former United States Men's National Team captain Michael Bradley as their new head coach, they announced Monday.

Bradley, 39, spent last season as coach of New York Red Bulls II, the club's MLS Next Pro team, which he led to a title.

"I am excited for the opportunity to be head coach of the club that I started my professional career with and also in the state that I call home," Bradley said in a news release.

The Red Bulls went 12-15-7 in 2025, missing the playoffs and ending an MLS-record 15-year MLS Cup playoffs streak. They fired former coach Sandro Schwarz in October.

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The Red Bulls also announced in October that Julian de Guzman will replace Jochen Schneider as the team's head of sport in 2026.

"Michael had an exceptional playing career and has demonstrated a bright future in coaching especially after leading our Red Bull New York II to the MLS Nex Pro Cup this past season," de Guzman said.

Bradley previously served as an assistant for the Canada men's team and for Norwegian club Stabaek.

"He leads with calm confidence and has great way of connecting with people," de Guzman said of Bradley. "We are excited for Michael to bring his philosophy to our first team and continue to lead our club towards success."

The former U.S. captain played for 20 seasons, including time with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars and Toronto FC. He also played in the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. His 151 international appearances are the third-most in United States Men's National Team history.