Red Bulls Appoint Michael Bradley as New Head Coach

Michael Bradley has been named the new head coach of the New York Red Bulls as of Monday.

At 38, Bradley’s journey began with the MLS team when it was called the MetroStars in 2004. After retiring in 2023, he began coaching in 2025, leading New York Red Bulls II to their first MLS Next Pro championship.

Red Bulls’ head of sport, Julian de Guzman, stated, “Michael had a great playing career and is showing promise in coaching.”

De Guzman added, “He leads with calm confidence and connects well with people. We look forward to him implementing his philosophy with our first team and guiding the club to success.”

Bradley played professionally for 20 years in MLS and European leagues. He made 258 appearances for Toronto FC from 2014 to 2023, leading the team to an MLS Cup-Supporters’ Shield double along with the Canadian Championship in 2017.

A native of New Jersey, Bradley earned 151 caps as captain of the United States men’s national team and played in two FIFA World Cups. He also won Gold Cups with the USMNT in 2007 and 2017.

His coaching experience includes serving as a guest assistant to Canada’s head coach, Jesse Marsch, during the June 2025 international window. Additionally, he assisted his father, Bob Bradley, at Stabaek in 2023-24.

The New York Red Bulls fell short in the 2024 MLS Cup final and parted ways with head coach Sandro Schwarz in October after ranking 10th in the Eastern Conference in 2025.

Bradley expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled to take on the head coach position at the club where I started my career, and in the state I call home.” He added, “I look forward to collaborating with everyone here to help this club achieve the success our fans deserve.”